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1^  T» 


NARRATIVE 


OF    THE 


AFFAIR  OF  QUEENSTOWN: 


IN    THE    WAR    OF    18  12. 


WITH  A  REVIEW  OF  THE  STRICTURES  ON  THAT  EVENT, 

IN  A  BO(tK  ENTITLED,  "NOTICES 

OF  THE  WAR  OF  1812." 


By  SOLOMON  VAN  RENSSELAER. 


,':'^" 


NEW-YORK: 
LEAVITT,  LORD  &    CO.,    180,  BROADWAY. 

BOSTON  : CROCKER  Sc  BREWSTER. 


1836. 


"( 


Entered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1836, 

BT   LEAVITT,  LOKD    &   CO. 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  for  the  Southern  District  of  New- York. 


H.   LUDWIG,  PHINTEB, 
78,  Veiity-atfUit,  W.  Y. 


th< 

up 

to 

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• 

Vll 

^ 

4 

i 

PREFACE. 


iC. 


^  The  apology  for  this  publication,  if  any  is  needed, 

may  be  found  in  that  law  of  a  soldier's  nature,  which 
prompts  him  to  repel  a  base  attack  on  the  reputation  of 
the  brave  and  the  deserving,  in  the  same  spirit  with 
which  he  would  meet  an  assault  on  a  military  post  or 
position,  which  had  been  committed  to  his  own  special 
keeping.  He  flies  irresistibly  to  the  rescue  of  his  com- 
rade, when  in  danger,  and  he  is  always  ready  to  thrust 
himself  in,  to  receive  any  blow  which  he  sees  aimed  at 
his  beloved  commander.  The  law  of  resistance  is  all 
the  stronger,  when  he  finds  himself  worthy  to  be 
honoured  with  the  per&onal  notice  of  the  common  ene- 
my, and  involved  in  a  common  peril  with  those  with 
whom  he  stands  in  the  relation  of  an  intimate  military 
connection. 

A  book,  entitled  "Notices  of  the  War  of  1812,"  has 
lately  been  ushered  before  the  public,  which  seems  to 
have  been  specially  devoted  to  the  work  of  detraction  and 
calumny.  It  would  have  received  an  appropriate  dedi- 
cation, "  To  the  spirit  of  all  evil."  It  comes  to  us  in 
the  guise  of  history,  but  care  has  been  taken  to  work 
up  in  its  constitution,  just  truth  and  principle  enough 
to  disguise  the  poison  infused  into  it,  without,  in  the 
least  degree,  diluting  its  strength,  or  weakening  its 
virulence.     It  is  offered  professedly  as  a  medicine,*  skil- 

♦  See  the  preface  to  the  book,  consisting  of  an  extract  from  Mabby. 


I 


IT 


PREFACE. 


fully  honeyed  over  with  the  appearance  of  sweet  temper, 
Bcnsibility,  and  candour,  to  make  tlio  public  believe  it 
will  do  them  good  to  take  it ;  while  it  is,  in  truth,  u 
deadly  compound  into  wbich  the  apothecary  has  emp- 
tied his  most  malignant  vials,  expressly  wilb  a  view  to 
the  production  of  as  much  individual  suflering  and 
distress  as  possible. 

The  author  of  this  work  is  the  too  celebrated  Gen, 
Jno.  Armstrong,  a  nauje  entitled  to  the  undisputed 
distinction  of  being  second  to  only  one  in  infamous  no- 
toriety, out  of  the  host  of  our  revolutionary  wortbics.* 
It  happened  that  this  man  was  called,  in  an  evil  hour, 
to  assist  in  the  administration  of  the  government,  daring 
the  arduous  and  eventful  period  of  our  second  war  with 
Great  Britain.  As  the  head  of  the  war  department,  he 
had  it  in  his  power  to  perpetrate  tbc  most  extensive 
mischief,  not  only  by  his  want  of  capacity,  but  in  the 
indulgence  of  an  unhappy,  restless,  and  malignant  tem- 
per; a  power  which  he  did  not  spare  to  use,  at  first  to 
the  oppression  of  all  individuals  whom  he  honoured 
with  his  enmity,  and  finally  to  the  disgrace  and  degra- 
dation of  his  country.!      That  country  was   fated  to 

•  Arnold's  treason  was  developcfj  in  tlie  midst  of  the  war ;  Arm- 
strong reserved  his  for  the  close  of  it.  Tlie  success  of  the  design, 
entertained  by  the  author  of  the  NewburpK  Letters,  would  have  been 
much  more  fatal  to  liberty,  than  would  have  been  the  delivering  of 
West  Point  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy. 

t  Flis  interference  with  the  plans  of  Generf\l  Wilkinson  may 
Bcrve  as  a  commentary  on  this  text.  General  W.  wished  to  attack 
Kingston,  and  there  rest  for  the  winter  in  good  quarters,  to  organise 
the  different  departments  of  the  army,  build  boats,  &c.  and  carry 
Montreal  early  in  the  spring.  This  delay  could  not  operate  against  us ; 
as  the  St.  Lawrence  opens  between  the  two  places  before  it  does  below, 
the  attack  could  have  been  made  before  any  reinforcements  could  ar- 
rive from  Europe.  If  General  W.  had  been  suffered  to  take  his  course 
the  British  fleet  at  Kingston  would  have  fallen  into  his  hands,  and  the 


■ 


KAJfli* 


4 


i 


PREFACE.  ▼ 

purchase  its  release  from  the  hand  of  this  functionary, 
at  no  less  a  Hacrificc  than  the  overthrow  and  sacking  of 
the  national  capital,  hy  a  feeble  and  insulting  foe.  Here 
justice  did  overtake  him  ;  and,  finding  that  no  artifice 
could  suffice  to  enable  him  to  throw  off  the  just  res|)on- 
sibilities  of  the  {)osition  he  had  occupied,  he  passed  into 
retirement.* 


millions  of  dollars  afterwards  expended  in  ship  building  for  the  two 
lakes  would  been  saved  the  country  ;  but  the  secretary  was  on  the 
spot  and  manocuvered  to  defeat  his  plan.  It  was  said  he  had  nn  eye 
on  the  presidency,  and  if  Montreal  could  be  taken  that  season,  it  would 
facilitate  his  object,  for  if  successful  he  would  have  assumed  all  the 
credit;  as  it  was,  he  managed  to  avoid  the  responsibility  by  throwing 
all  the  blame  on  poor  Wilkinson,  (see  General  W.'s  trial  before  the 
court  martial  at  Troy.— 1st.  Vol.  of  his  Memoirs) 

*  The  affair  at  Biadensburgh  occurred  und^r  General  Armstrong's 
own  immediate  supervision  as  secretary  at  war.  In  this  case,  although 
an  attack  had  been  long  apprehended,  a  much  larger  force,  it  is  true, 
than  absolutely  required  for  the  purpose  of  repelling  if,  was  collected, 
but  no  organization  or  system  of  defence  having  been  arranged,  our 
army,  composed  of  "he  regular  cavalry,  artillery,  infantry,  and  a  large 
body  of  militia,  were  disgracefully  routed  without  a  show  of  fight, 
except  from  the  grdlant  Com.  Barney,  by  comparatively  a  handful  of 
British  troops,  who  were  oximustcd  by  the  fatigue  of  a  long  forced 
mirch.  Near  three  weeks  before  the  attack  was  made  upon  Washington, 
I  received  a  letter  from  an  officer  of  high  rank  in  the  army,  who  writes, 
"such  is  the  want  of  preparation  for  defence  at  this  place,  that  three 
thousand  men  can  destroy  it."  Can  it  be  supposed  for  a  moment  that  if 
this  Author,  the  dispenser  then  of  honours  and  promotions  in  the  army, 
had  identified  himself  with  our  troops,  "they  would  have  retreated 
on  the  approach  of  the  enemy?  No  never!  yet  he  was  among  the  first 
to  set  the  cowardly  cxam{)lc.  If  a  more  manly  course  had  been  pur- 
sued, though  driven  from  the  first  stand,  the  road  passing  over  a  rolling 
country  skirted  by  woods,  afforded  many  positions,  equally  as  strong 
and  as  admirably  calculated  for  the  most  effective  disposition  of  the  dif- 
ferent kinds  of  troops  employed,  and  they  migiit  have  fallen  back  from 
one  position  to  another  with  equal  advantage  and  have  harassed  even 
a  larger  force  of  the  enemy,  so  that  they  never  could  have  reached 
Washington.  But  had  every  effort  under  this  course  failed,  a  few  hun- 
dred men  thrown  into  the  Capitol,  would  have  saved  the  City.     Thr 


ri 


PBEFACE; 


His  obscurity  in  his  retreat,  and  his  long  silence  had 
made  his  countrymen  half  believe  that,  perliapg,  his 
unhappy  temper  was  now  softened,  that  he  was  melted 
under  the  just  rebuke  and  neglect  of  the  world,  and  that 
he  was  preparing,  by  an  honest  use  of  his  pen,  an 
instrument  which  he  had  shown  himself  capable  of 
wielding  skilfully,  to  offer  to  his  country  a  proof  of  the 
sincerity  of  his  repentance,  iti  the  composition  of  some 
work  of  high  historical  value.  Rumours  even,  of  his 
labours  in  this  respect  had  reached  the  public  ear.  It 
was  said,  his  thoughts  were  turned  exclusively  to  the 
times  of  the  Revolution  and  the  earlier  scenes  of  our 
history,  and  it  was  understood  that  nothing  would  be 
published,  until  he  should  be  beyond  the  reach  of  any 
acknowledgments  for  the  important  service heshould  thus 
render.  His  injured  but  generous  fellow- citizens  had  be- 
gun, already  and  by  anticipation,  to  feel  that  forgiveness, 
which  they  only  waited  the  proper  occasion  to  accord 
and  express.  These  "Notices,"  however,  have  elFect- 
ually  put  this  pleasant  delusion  to  flight :  it  is  now  seen 
how  differently  his  retirement  has  been  occupied, — in 
brooding  over  thoughts  of  malice  and  revenge, — in 
nursing  the  energies  of  that  dark  spirit  which  can  en 
dure  nothing  bright  or  pure  above  him,  or  around  him, — 
in  watching  the  favourable  moment  for  the  discharge  of 
his  poisoned  arrows,  and  when  he  could  sate  himt-elf 
with  victims  and  ^acririces. 

It  will  be  seen  that  in  this  work  two  distinct  purposes 

six  pounders  used  by  tlie  enemy,  could  have  made  no  impression  upon 
the  walls  of  this  buildini',  while  a  bri.sk  fire  from  its  windows  and  from 
the  slone  parapet  sui-roiindino^  its  roof,  would  elfectuiUy  have  r-.rrestcd 
their  progress.  The  same  defences  might  have  been  made  at  the  Pre- 
sident's house,  flanked  as  it  was  by  the  state  and  treasury  oflicos  on 
the  rii;ht,  ■ind  \>y  tlie  v,ar  and  i\.;y  fit  the  luft.  'I  he  navy-yard  was 
equally  susceptible  of  dcfciice. 


PREFACE. 


VU 


are  sought  to  be  effected,  though  by  a  single  blow. 
The  one  is  to  destroy  individuals  ;  the  other  is  to  de- 
grade his  country.  Neither,  alone,  would  satisfy  his 
capacious  and  comprehensive  malice.  The  shaft,  aimed 
at  persons,  which  did  not  pass  quite  through  and  reach 
the  bosom  of  the  Republic,  would  not  accomplish  the 
errand  whereto  it  was  sent,  and,  to  do  him  justice,  it 
must  be  confessed  that  his  selections  for  this  effect  have 
been  made  with  singular  skill  and  felicity.  For  the 
most  part,  and  always,  unless  by  a  mere  error  in  judg- 
ment, his  attacks  have  fallen  on  those,  with  v.'hose 
names  and  reputation  the  honour  and  glory  of  the 
country  were  most  nearly  identified,  while  his  commen- 
dations, sparingly  applied,  but  designed  to  help  forward 
his  main  purpose,  have  been  reserved  chiefly  for  those 
in  whom  the  country  has  no  interest,  but  that  their 
names  and  exploits  should  be  forgotten ;  whose  celebrity 
cannot  be  preserved,  but  at  her  expense. 

It  is  not  the  design  of  this  publication  to  meet  the 
whole  mischief  of  Gen.  Armstrong's  book,  or  attempt 
the  vindication  a  the  many  worthy  men  whom  it  as- 
sails. It  is  intended  to  answer  a  dcrinitc  and  limited 
purpose  ;  to  disabuse  the  public  in  relation  to  a  single 
event,  one  of  the  most  hnportant  of  the  war  of  1812, 
and  to  rescue  one  individual  at  least  from  the  desperate 
assaults  of  this  hoary  calumniator.  It  is  believed  that 
the  interests  of  history  will  be  subserved  l)y  the  relation 
which  will  be  made.  It  is  time  that  the  celebrated  af- 
lair  of  Q^uccnstown  should  bo  understood;  and  that  the 
h>gh  merits  of  the  citizen  general,  who  conducted  the  cam- 
j)aign  of  which  this  affair  was  the  chief  feature,  should 
be  placed  beyond  the  reach  and  danger  of  detraction. 
The  possession  of  all  the  mater'als  necessary  for  the 


VUl 


PREFACE. 


I 


complete  performance  of  the  task,  seemed  to  impose  a 
corresponding  and  mdispensable  obligation.  It  is  not, 
however,  intended  to  be  intimated  that  the  author  of  this 
narrative  and  review  is  wholly  uninfluenced  by  personal 
considerations  and  motives.  He  purposely  embraces  the 
opportunity  to  do  an  act  of  justice  to  himself,  while  en- 
gaged in  vindicating  both  his  country  and  his  com- 
mander; and,  in  so  doing,  he  is  not  conscious  of  even 
the  danger  of  drawing  on  the  indulgence  of  the  public, 
beyond  what  it  is  accustomed  to  accord  to  the  honest 
and  characteristic  frankness  of  a  soldier. 


NARRATIVE,    (fcc. 


A  REQUISITION  having  been  made  by  the  general 
government  for  a  body  of  New  York  mUitia,  it  was  the 
pleasure  of  Gov.  Tompkins  to  appoint  Gen.  Stephen  Van 
Rensselaer  to  take  command  of  the  forces  which  should 
be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  northern  and  western 
frontiers  of  this  State,  in  answer  to  that  rerjuisition. 
That  officer  entered  upon  his  command  on  the  1 3th 
of  July,  1812,  having  done  me  the  honour  to  request  my 
services  as  l)is  aid.  I  was  anxious  to  serve  my  country 
in  the  contest  in  which  she  was  engaged,  and  I  did  not 
hesitate,  therefore,  to  take  the  situation  thus  offered  me. 

On  reaching  the  Niagara  frontier  towards  the  middle 
of  August,  the  General  found  his  troops  scattered  along 
the  whole  line  of  the  river,  and  exposed  to  be  cut  up  in 
detail.  Having  inspected  his  ground,  his  resolution  was 
promptly  taken  to  concentrate  his  forces  at  Lewiston. 
Orders  to  that  effect  were  immediately  given.  His  camp 
was  formed,  and  the  duties  of  discipline  and  instruction 
were  entered  upon  without  delay.  From  the  moment  of 
his  assuming  the  command,  his  position  was  one  of  the 
utmost  exposure  and  danger.  He  lay  within  sight  of  a 
powerful  enemy,  separated  from  him  only  by  a  narrow 
river,  for  the  crossing  of  w  'lich,  that  enemy  possessed  ev- 
ery facility.  He  had  a  line  of  thirty  six  miles  to  guard, 
and  his  whole  force  was  considerably  less  than  one  thou- 


10 


NARRATIVE. 


sand  men,*  many  of  them  without  shoes,  and  all  of  them 
clamorous  for  pay.  Of  ammunition,  there  were  not  ten 
rounds  per  man,  and  no  lead.  There  was  not  one  piece 
of  heavy  ordnance  in  the  whole  line,  and  there  were  no 
artillerists  to  man  the  few  light  pieces  which  we  possess- 
ed. Add  to  this,  that  the  troops  could  not  take  or  keep 
the  field,  for  want  of  tents  and  covering  ;  that  the  medi- 
cal department,  if  one  could  be  said  to  exist  at  all,  was 
utterly  destitute  of  every  thing  necessary  for  the  com- 
fort of  the  sick  or  the  disabled  ;  and  that  there  was  a- 
mong  the  men  that  entire  want  of  subordination,  to  say 
nothing  of  discipline,  which  always  characterizes  raw 
militia ;  and  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  condition  of 
our  army. 

The  condition  of  the  forces  on  the  opposite  bank  of 
the  river,  was  in  contrast  with  ours  in  every  particular. 
There  was  a  well  appointed,  and  well  found  army,  un- 
der the  most  exact  discipline,  and  commanded  by  skilful 
and  experienced  officers.  Every  important  post,  from  Fort 
Erie  to  Fort  George,was  in  a  defensible  state,  and  the  ene- 
my had  possessed  himself  of  a  very  commanding  position 
on  the  heights  of  dueenstown,  which  he  was  rendering 
every  day  more  secure  and  formidable.  He  had,  moreo- 
ver, the  mastery  of  the  Lakes,  and  was  at  that  moment 
indue  triously  employed  in  using  that  advantage  to  in- 
crease his  numbers,  and  add  to  his  supplies  at  Niagara. 

In  this  state  of  things,  the  armistice  which  had  been 
concluded  between  Gen.  Dearborn  and  the  Governor 
General  of  Canada,  was  announced  to  Gen.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, and  it  became  necessary  to  settle  with  the  com- 
mander of  the  British  forces  opposite  to  us,  terms  of  an 
arrangement  for  the  government  of  the  armies  on  the 

♦  On  the  first  of  September,  he  had  only  691  men  fit  for  duty, 


NARRATIVE. 


11 


Niagara,  during  the  continuance  of  the  armistice.  The 
performance  of  this  duty  was  assigned  to  me,  and  a  sug- 
gestion having  been  made  by  me  to  that  effect,  I  had 
the  authority  of  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  attempt  such 
an  arrangement,  as,  besides  securing  the  objects  contem- 
plated by  Gen.  Dearborn,  might  enable  us,  pending  the 
armistice,  to  use  the  waters  of  the  Ontario,  as  a  common 
and  undisturbed  highway  for  the  purposes  of  transpor- 
tation. My  interview  with  Gen.  Sheaffe,  on  this  mis- 
sion, was  one  full  of  interest.  As  was  anticipated,  the 
terms  proposed  by  me  were  met  not  only  with  objec 
tions,  but  at  first  by  an  unequivocal  refusal  to  accede 
to  them.  The  following  clause,  proposed  and  insisted 
on,  on  the  part  of  the  British  General,  will  serve  to  show 
how  wide  of  each  other  were  our  respective  views  and 
interests.  "  It  is  moreover  to  be  distinctly  understood, 
that  there  is  not  any  thing  in  the  foregoing  articles,  to  be 
construed  into  granting  facilities  for  the  forwarding  of 
troops,  stores,  &c.,  which  did  not  exist  before  the  decla- 
ration of  the  armistice,  farther  than  they  are  to  pass  un- 
molested as  therein  provided,  in  the  mode  and  by  the 
routes  assigned  to  them  prior  to  the  cessation  of  hostili- 
ties." The  result  of  a  protracted  discussion,  however, 
was  an  agreement  which  confined  the  restrictions  to  the 
movements  of  troops,  stores.  <fec.,  to  the  country  above 
Fort  Erie,  and  left  such  movements  elsewhere,  entirely 
unshackled  and  free. 

The  importance  of  ihis  arrangement  has  never  been 
sufficiently  appreciated.  The  immediate  and  pressing 
necessity  for  it  on  our  part,  was,  that  without  it,  the  ord- 
nance and  supplies  intended  for  our  army,  having  been 
collected  at  Oswego,  were  not  likely  ever  to  reach  us  ;  the 
roads  were  impassable,  especially  for  heavy  cannon,  and 
the  highway  of  the  Lake  was  beset  by  a  triumphant  ene- 


n 


NARRATIVE. 


U 


my.  As  soon  as  the  negotiation  was  successfully  com- 
pleted, an  express  was  despatched  to  Col.  Fenwick  at 
Oswego,  to  move  on  with  his  supplies  with  all  possible 
expedition.  But  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  enabled 
to  use  this  advantage  for  another  purpose,  of  great  im- 
portance to  the  service.  No  sooner  was  the  way  open, 
than  an  ev press  was  sent  to  Ogdensburgh  with  an  oi^der 
for  the  removal  of  nine  vessels  from  that  |  lace  to  Sackelt's 
Harbour.  To  this  movement  was  Commodore  Chaun- 
cey  indebted  for  the  ascendancy  which  he  for  a  time 
was  enabled  to  maintain  on  the  lake,  and  without  which 
the  subsequent  descent  at  Little  York  could  not  have 
been  attempted. 

Col.  Penwick  had  not  arrived,  when  orders  were  re- 
ceived from  Gen.  Dearborn,  to  put  an  end  to  the  armis- 
tice. He  was,  however,  as  it  turned  out,  then  approach- 
ing his  place  of  destination,  at  which  he  shortly  after- 
wards arrived.  He  was  directed,  out  of  abundant  cau- 
tion, to  land  at  the  F^'our  Mile  Creek,  instead  of  attempt- 
ing to  reach  Fort  Niagara.  As  soon  as  this  was  effected, 
and  in  the  same  morning,  having  been  charged  with  the 
delivery  of  the  notice  termmating  the  armistice,  to  the 
British  Commandant,  I  crossed  over  from  the  Fort  to 
discharge  the  duties  of  this  mission,  which  I  did  in  a  per- 
sonal interview  with  Gen.  SheaHe. 

It  will  be  seen  by  a  reference  to  the  documents  collect- 
ed in  the  appendix  to  this  Narrative,  that  from  ttie  first. 
Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  acted  on  the  certain  knowledge, 
that  it  was  e  vpected  of  him  to  make  a  descent  upon  Can- 
ada at  the  earliest  possible  period.  He  knew  that  nei- 
ther the  government  nor  the  coimtry  was  prepared  to  be 
satisfied  with  defensive  measures  only.  Noth  withstand- 
ing this,  the  first  glance  he  had  of  his  position,  after 
he   reached   the   frontier   showed    him   at   once,    that 


NARRATIVE. 


18 


nothing  could  be  attempted,  at  least  for  a  considerable 
period.  Indeed  his  own  con<lirion  was  critical  in  the 
extreme,  and  even  his  ability  to  defend  himself  in  case 
of  attack  was  more  than  doubtful.  Gen.  Dearborn,  the 
commander  of  (his  entire  district,  had  been  ordered  by 
the  Secretary  of  War,  in  his  instructions  of  the  1st  of  Au- 
gust, to  make  a  diversion  in  favour  of  Gen.  Hull,  at  Nia- 
gara. There  was  no  preparation  to  do  any  thing  effectual 
under  this  order.  Before  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  reached 
the  frontier,  Gen.  Brock  was  on  his  way,  with  a  compe- 
tent force  withdrawn  from  his  posts  on  the  Niagara,  to 
meetGen.  Hull,  leaving  behind  him  however,  a  force  abun- 
dantly sufficient,  with  the  reinforcements  they  were  then 
receiving,  for  the  protection  of  the  posts  he  bad  left,  against 
any  attempt  which  coidd  have  been  made  on  them  on 
our  part ;  sufficient  even  to  have  made  it  (juite  possible  to 
carry  the  war  to  the  American  side  of  the  river,  with 
every  prospect  of  advantage  and  success. 

The  first  relief  which  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  experien- 
ced, was  in  the  arrival  of  Col.  Fenwick,  with  ordnance 
and  stores,  on  the  4tli  day  of  September,  as  already  relat- 
ed. Before  this,  however,  and  while  as  yet  not  a  man 
had  appeared  to  reinforce  his  numbers,  the  disgraceful 
fall  of  Detroit  and  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull,  had  been  an- 
nounced, and  Gen.  Brock  had  been  actually  seen  re- 
turning to  this  frontier,  and  conducting  along  the  heights 
of  Gtueenstown,  an  Ameri(^an  arn)y  as  prisoners  of  war. 
It  was  not  much  to  be  wondered  at,  that  this  event 
"  .spread  great  alarm  among  the  inhabitants,  and  produc- 
ed strong  symptoms  of  distrust  among  the  troops." 

During  the  month  which  succeeded  the  announce- 
ment of  this  event,  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  ar- 
my were,  ')n  t'le  whole,  but  little  improved.  There  was,  in 
nearly  all  this  time,  every  reason  to  expect  an  attack. 


14 


NARRATIVE. 


^ii   ' 


Every  thing  indicated  great  activity  on  the  British  side, 
and  preparation  for  some  signal  blow.  In  the  condition  of 
Fort  Niagara,  it  was  natural  to  suppose  that  that  would 
be  the  first  object.     It  is  believed  that  an  attack  was  only 
prevented  by  the  show  of  defence  wliich  was  set  up. 
The  Mess  House  was  unroofed  and  mounted  with  can- 
non, and  a  Battery  was  planted  on  the  bank  of  the  riv- 
er above  the  Fort,  while,  in  case  of  a  hostile  attempt,  the 
safety  of  the  troops  was  attempted  to  be  provided  for,  by 
a  new  road  cut  through  the  woods  at  a  distance  from  the 
river,  in  the  rear. 

Early  in  September,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  was  advis- 
ed by  Gen.  Dearborn,  that  the  enemy  was  preparing  to 
make  an  effort  to  reduce  this  army  to  the  mortifying  sit- 
uation of  Gen.  Hull's,  and  that  he  must  be  ready 
"  to  make  good  a  sure  retreat."  The  abandonment  of 
the  Fort  was  also  expressly  recommended,  and  the  fear 
expressed,  that,  if  retained,  it  would  prove  "  a  trap  for  the 
garrison,"  for  examinations  had  shown  that  it  was  utter- 
ly untenable  and  indefensible  against  a  serious  attack. 
The  importance,  however,  of  maintaining  all  his  posi- 
tions, led  the  General  to  the  determination  to  put  forth 
every  effort  and  energy,  to  this  effect,  and  to  adopt  the 
unalterable  resolution  to  dispute  every  inch  of  ground 
with  his  adversary,  in  case  of  an  attempt  to  dislodge  him. 
The  following  letters,  the  one  addressed  to  Gen.  Dear- 
born, and  the  other  to  Governor  Tompkins,  will  show 
in  some  measure,  the  condition  of  things  at  their  date, 
as  well  as  the  opinions  and  resolution  of  the  Command- 
ing General.  His  whole  force  at  this  time,  was  about 
sixteen  hundred  men. 


\ 


I  . 


NARRATIVE. 


19 


Extract  of  a  letter  From  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  Gen. 

Dearborn. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lcwiston,  17th  September,  1812. 

The  situation  of  my  little  army  is  becoming  every  day 
more  and  more  interesting,  and  I  believe  existing  circum- 
stances would  fully  warrant  me  in  saying  critical.  As 
soon  as  our  operations  at  and  near  Fort  Niagara  indicat- 
ed a  disposition  to  maintain  the  garrison,  the  enemy  he- 
came  exceedingly  active.  New  works  were  thrown  up, 
and  old  ones  modified  to  meet  us  at  every  point.  Their 
works  appear  now  to  be  all  completed,  and  ihey  are 
daily  receiving  very  considerable  reinforcements  of  men. 
Last  evening,  the  Royal  George  arrived  at  Fort  George, 
with  about  two  hundred  artillerists.  About  one  hun- 
dred boats,  loaded  with  stores  for  the  British  army  in  Up- 
per Canada,  have  lately  passed  up  the  St.  Lawrence. 
Two  regiments  of  troops  are  also  on  their  way  up,  and  I 
am  induced  to  believe  that  those  lately  arrived  at  P^'ort 
George,  are  detachments  from  those  regiments.  The  in- 
formation which  you  had  received  on  the  subject  of  the 
enemy's  reinforcements  and  destination,  was  undoubted- 
ly correct.  Troops  are  also  coming  down  from  Fort  Mai- 
den to  Fort  Erie.  Indeed  there  can  be  no  possible 
doubt,  that  the  enemy  are  very  actively  engaged  in 
concentrating  their  forces  to  act  in  this  vicinity.  When 
the  scene  of  action  will  open,  I  know  not ;  it  probably 
cannot  be  far  distant.  Such  movements  of  the  enemy 
have  been  observed  for  three  or  four  days  past,  as  have 
induced  many  to  believe,  that  the  hour  of  attack  was  at 
hand.  On  the  13th  instant,  boats  were  engaged  in  put- 
ting a  considerable  detachment  of  troops  on  board  a  ship, 
which,  at  evening,  got  under  way  from  Fort  George  and 
stood  out  into  lake  Ontario.  It  was  apprehended  that 
those  troops  were,  that  night,  to  be  landed  on  the  south 


10 


NARRATIVE. 


II 
J) 
I     ) 


!  I      (-• 


H      W 


side  of  the  lake,  in  the  rear  of  our  guards.  The  night 
before  last,  the  enemy  moved  some  boats  from  the  land- 
ing at  dueenstovvn,  down  the  river.  This  excited  alarm, 
and  late  last  night  a  rumour  ran  through  the  camp,  that 
the  garrison  was  actually  summoned  to  surrender.  I 
only  mention  these  things  to  show  you  what  apprehen- 
sions prevail.  Should  the  enemy  attack,  I  have  every 
reason  to  believe  we  shall  be  very  severely  pressed ;  but 
so  serious  will  be  the  consequences  of  any  retrograde 
movement,  or  a  total  abandonment  of  Fort  Niagara, 
that,  upon  mature  consideration  of  all  circumstances,  I 
have  determined  to  hold,  if  possible,  my  present  position, 
and  dispute  every  inch  of  ground.  My  force  bears  no 
proportion  to  the  duties  required ;  besides,  the  disci- 
pline of  the  troops  is  not  such  as  to  warrant  perfect  reli- 
ance, and  many  of  )ur  arms  are  not  fit  for  action. 
These  are  considerations  which  you,  sir,  and  my  fellow- 
citizens  will  do  me  the  justice  to  bear  in  mind,  whatever 
result  may  happen.  For  the  application  of  the  means 
entrusted  to  me,  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  justify  myself 
to  my  country.  M}'^  greatest  fear  is,  tliat  the  troops  des- 
tined to  reinforce  me,  will  not  join  me  in  season.  In 
every  calculation  heretofore  made  upon  my  reinforce- 
ments, both  as  to  time  and  strength,  I  have  been  disap- 
pointed. Col.  Bloom's  regiment,  which  was  reported  to 
me  before  its  arrival,  for  seven  hundred,  is  but  little  more 
than  four  hundred. 

I  am  erecting  a  store-house  and  magazine  upon  the 
high  grounds,  in  the  rear  of  my  camp  ;  but  for  want  of 
teams,  tools,  and  nails,  the  work  proceeds  but  slowly ; 
we  build  with  logs,  and  rive  our  shingles  from  bolts  of  oak. 
It  is  with  extreme  difficulty  we  can  procure  teams  upon 
any  emergency.  The  horses  of  the  cavalry  and  flying 
artillery  are  badly  supplied  with  hay,  and  as  for  grain 


i 


NARRATIVE. 


17 


night 
3  land- 
alarm, 
ip,  that 
der.     1 
prehen- 
e  every 
5d;  but 
rograde 
Niagara, 
ancc!^,  I 
position, 
jears  no 
le  disci- 
feet  reli- 
r  action. 
y  fellow- 
vhatever 
e  means 
y  myself 
)ops  des- 
son.     In 
eiiiforce- 
en  disap- 
:  ported  to 
ttle  more 

upon  the 
r  want  of 
,  slowly ; 
ts  of  oak. 
ims  upon 
nd  flying 
br  grain 


they  arc  almost  entirely  destitute.     I  have  completed  the 
road  tinough  the  woods,  from  my  camp  to  the  garrison. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Tompkina. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  17th  September,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  packet  by  Major  Noon,  who  arrived  in  camp  last 
evening.  The  duties  of  t!ie  day  are  too  pressing  to  al- 
low me  the  leisure  I  could  wish,  to  answer  your  letter 
particularly.  I  must,  therefore,  beg  leave  to  refer  your 
Excellency  to  ni}''  despatch  of  this  date  to  Major  Gener- 
al Dearborn.  I  cannot,  however,  but  express  the  satis- 
faction I  feel  at  the  approbation,  which  my  conduct  thus 
far  in  the  campaign  has  received.  To  perform  my  duty, 
arduous  as  it  is,  is  comparatively  easy,  but  to  determine 
what  my  duty  is,  in  a  wide  iielcl  for  action,  where  every 
thing  is  unshaped  and  uncertain,  is  often  a  task  of  no 
small  diflliculty  ;  I  am  conscious  to  myself  that  I  have 
studied  it  faillifully,  and  performed  to  the  best  of  my 
ability.  My  situation  is  growing  every  hour  more  inter- 
esting, perhaps  critical.  The  particulars  you  will  find 
in  my  letter  to  Gen.  Dearborn  ;  but  with  my  little  force 
I  shall  certainly  attempt  to  hold  my  position,  with  full 
reliance  upon  your  Excellency's  assurances,  that  every 
ertbrt  will  be  made  to  support  mc.  A  retrograde  movc- 
meiit  of  this  army  vpi.n  the  hack  of  that  ili&asicr 
which  has  befallen  the  one  at  Detroit,  would  stamp  a 
stigma  upon  the  yiational  character  which  time  could 
never  ivipe  away.  I  shall  therefore  try  to  hold  out 
against  superior  force  and  every  disadvantage,  until  I 
shall  be  reinforced.  I  am  happy  to  learn  that  the  money 
to  pay  olf  the  troops  is  at  hand.  The  information  cheers 
our  camp.     I  announced  it  in  orders  this  morning ;  I 


18 


NARRATIVE. 


t 


hope  they  will  soon  realize  their  expectations,  for  in  truth, 
their  wants  are  many. 

I  iiave  the  honour,  *fcc. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins. 


l!  it 


I 


It  will  be  observed,  by  reference  to  other  ofllcial  letters* 
in  the  appendix,  that  as  late  as  the  20111  of  September, 
the  General  was  informed  from  Iload-Ciuarters  at  Green- 
bush,  that  a  stranjTo  fatality  had  pcMvadod  tin;  whole 
arrangements  for  reiiiforcinjj^  his  post,  and  apprehensions 
were  expressed  that  the  reinforcements  would  still  arrive 
too  late  to  enable  him  to  maintain  his  position.  The 
same  despatch,  however,  conveyed  the  expression  of  a 
confident  hope,  that  he  would  not  only  he  able  to  meet 
the  enemy,  but  to  carry  the  war  into  Canada.  It  was 
added  that  "  at  all  events  we  must  calculate  on  possess- 
ing U.  Canada  before  the  winter  sets  in."  In  truth,  the 
time  was  now  at  hand,  when,  if  at  all,  the  long  contem- 
plated blow  must  be  struck,  and  as  the  enemy  had  not 
brought  the  war  into  our  camp,  it  was  soon  determined 
to  carry  it  into  his  own. 

With  the  arrival  of  the  reinforcements,  which  were 
now  constantly  coming  in,  the  confidence  of  the  army 
increased  to  such  a  degree,  that  the  desire  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  wipe  out  the  disgrace  of  Hull's  surrender  could 
no  longer  be  restrained.  The  clamour  for  active  operations 
became  general,  and  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  resolved  to 
gratify  his  own  inclinations  and  those  of  his  army,  by  com- 
mencing offensive  operations ;  with  this  view  he  arranged 
a  plan  to  be  submitted,  and  then  summoned  his  princi- 
pal officers  to  a  council  of  war.  For  farther  detail  as  to 
his  situation  and  views,  see  his  letter  to  Gen.  Dearborn 
of  Oct.  8th,  published  in  Appendix,  No.  I. 

From  the  correspondence  with  Gen.  Smyth,  in  rela- 


tii 
ai 


ii 


NARRATIVE. 


.0 


tion  to  the  siil)joct  of  luH  naminof  an  early  day  wlion  lie, 
in  connection  with  other  jreneral  olficerH,  and  conwnand- 
ants  of  rci^iinents,  would  ine<*t  CJen.  V.  R.  in  council,  it 
is  plain  that  his  second  in  coinnwuid  had  no  cordial  dispo- 
sition to  act  in  concert  with  him.  And  in  faither  confir- 
mation of  the  fact,  i;^  his  letter  rcportinfjf  his  arrival  from 
IJuH'alo,  dated  2'.Hh  Sept.;  in  this,  althou'^h  an  entire 
stranj^cr  to  the  country,  he  goes  out  of  the  way  to  oh- 
trude  his  advice  upon  his  commandin<(  ollicer,  touchinj^ 
movements  and  localities  of  which  he  knew  nothinjjf.* 
These  will  bear  out  the  prevalent  oj)inions  of  the  day, 
as  to  his  presumptuous  conduct ;  the  cause  of  that,  as 
well  as  of  his  sul)se([uent  evasive  conduct,  is  n>erely  a 
matter  of  conjecture.  It  mi^iht  have  proceeded  irom 
disappoiutnient  in  not  ol)tainin;^  full  connuand  on  this 
frontier,  or  it  mii^lit  have  been  because  his  fastidiousness 
could  not  be  reconciled  to  the  idea  of  being-  under  the  con- 
trol of  a  militia  general.  Be  it  as  it  may,  he  was  hii,ndy 
censured  by  all  who  were  aware  of  liis  conduct,  and 
many,  among-  whom  I  was  one,  were  of  opinion  that 
coercive  measures  should  be  resorted  to,  to  bring  him  to 
a  sense  of  his  duty;  and  perhaps  if  Gen.  V.  R.  is  cen- 
surable for  any  sin  of  omission  while  on  the  frontier,  it  is 
for  not  pursuing  this  course.  But  as  the  season  was 
raoidly  drawing  to  a  close,  and  as  he  was  urged  by  his 
instructions  to  effect  something  decisive  before  he  went 
into  winter  quarters,  his  situation  was  one  of  extreme 
delicacy.  He  did  not  wish  to  be  drawn  from  the  object 
he  had  in  view,  by  a  controversy  with  Gen.  Smyth — par- 
ticularly so,  as  hj  knew  tnat  the  forces  which  by  this 
time  had  collected  in  Iris  own  inniiediate  vicinity,  were 
amply  sufUcient  for  hh,  purpose. 


reia- 


*  Appenuix,  No.  U. 


' 


20 


NARRATIVE. 


The  plan  which  Gen.  V.  R.  intended  to  have  sub- 
mitted to  the  council  in  question,  and  the  objects  he  ex- 
pected to  gain  by  it,  if  carried  out,  are  indicated  in  the 
following"  extract  of  a  letter  from  him  to  Gen.  Dearborn. 
"  That  we  immediately  concentrate  the  regular  force  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Niagara,  and  the  mihtia  here 
make  the  best  possible  disposition,  and  at  the  same  time 
the  r'^-gulars  shall  pass  from  the  Four  Mile  Creek,  to  a  point 
in  the  rear  of  the  works  of  Fort  George,  and  take  it  by 
storm.  1  will  pass  up  the  river  here  and  carry  the  heights 
of  Q,ueenslown.  Siiould  we  succeed,  we  should  elfect  a 
great  discomfiture  of  the  enemy,  by  breaking'  their 
line  of  commimicalion,  driving  tlieir  shipping  fr  jni 
the  month  of  this  river  ;  leaving  them  no  rallying 
point  in  this  pirt  of  the  country — appalling  the 
m,inds  of  the  Canadians^  and  opening  a  wide  and 
safe  communication  for  our  supplies.  We  shall 
save  our  own  land,  wipe  away  a  part  of  the  score  of 
our  past  disgrace^  get  excellent  barracks  and  winter 
quarters,  and  at  least  be  prepared  for  an  early  cam- 
paign another  year.  As  soon  as  the  result  of  the 
council  shall  be  known,  I  shall  advise  you  of  it." 

His  want  of  accommodations  against  the  inclement 
weather  became  greater,  in  the  same  ratio  as  his  strength 
increaseu,  until  the  discontent  in  consequence,  reduced  his 
camp  to  a  state  bordering  on  mutiny.  The  calls  to  be  led 
to  battle,  became  more  and  more  urgent  and  impeiious, 
and  the  general  found  himself  at  last  obliged  either  to  dis- 
miss the  troops,  or  to  gratify  their  wishes.  Several  days 
elapsed  without  having  a  time  specified  by  General 
Smyth  for  holding  the  council,  and  the  prospect  of  doing 
it  being  as  remote  as  ever.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  could 
no  longer  withhold  his  orders  for  offensive  measures. 
The  different  posts  of  the  enemy  having  been  previously 


cdl 
bei 
thj 

hI 

thd 
thi 

to 


-^^-^1 ^^^ 


NARRATIVE. 


21 


examined  by  various  officers  of  our  army,  wliile  on  offi- 
cial business  there,*  our  knowledge  of  his  localities,  of 
course,  was  accurate,  and  having  obtained  satisfactory 
information  as  to  the  force  stationed  at  his  defences,  par^ 
ticularly  at  those  about  Q,ueenstcwii,  the  general  felt 
himself  warranted  in  making  an  immediate  attack  on 
that  place.  Accordingly  on  the  10th  October,  1812, 
thirteen  boats,  capable  of  transporting  three  hundred  and 
forty  men  witli  their  equip  ;.°nts,  were  brought  down 
under  cover  of  the  night,  upon  wagons,  from  Gill  Creek, 
two  miles  above  the  falls,  and  launclied  in  tlie  river  at  the 
only  practicable  spot  at  the  time,  at  the  present,  Lewiston 
ferry.  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick's  flying  artillery  were  order- 
ed to  be  up  in  season  from  Fort  Niagara.  Gen.  Smyth 
was  also  directed  to  send  down  so  much  of  his  command 
as  could  be  spared  from  Buffalo,  and  the  attack  was  to 
have  been  made  at  3  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  next 
day.  "  Experienced  boatmen  were  procured  to  take  tlie 
boats  from  the  landing  below,  to  the  place  of  embarka- 


*  On  my  last  visit  there,  the  very  day  before  the  action,  -while  return- 
ing to  my  bout,  accompanied  by  Col.  Mc  Donald  and  some  other  offi- 
cers, attracted  by  the  apjjcarance  of  a  body  of  Indians  a  short  distance 
to  our  left,  I  expressed  a  desire  to  obtain  a  nearer  view,  as  I  might 
know  some  of  them.  This  gdlantand  accomplished  officer  immediate- 
ly led  the  way.  On  our  route  we  passed  two  beautiful  brass  howitzers 
of  a  small  size,  calculated  to  be  carried  on  pack-horses,  the  -wheels  about 
as  large  as  those  of  a  wheel-barrow.  I  remarked,  "  these,  at  all  events, 
are  old  acquaintances  of  mine."  They  had  formerly  belonged  to 
Wayne's  army,  and  had  been  left  at  Detroit,  where,  as  Col.  Mc  D.  stat- 
ed, they  were  taken  by  Gen.  Brock  and  brought  down,  with  a  view  of 
being  sent  to  England,  as  a  curiosity.  I  observed  in  a  jocular  manner 
that  I  felt  partial  to  those  pieces,  and  wo  must  try  to  take  them  back. 
He  replied  in  the  same  pleasant  humou*-;  that  they  must  try  to  defend 
them.  Little  did  he  suspect  that  every  thing  was  arranged  to  make 
that  trial,  or  that  the  next  day  he  and  his  chivalrous  chief  were  doomed 
to  fall  and  I  to  be  grievously  wounded. 


22 


NARRATIVE. 


I 
'^1 


I  1: 


fl 


;|.i 


h    ,+ 


tion.  Lieut.  Sims  was  considered  the  man  of  the  great- 
est skill  for  this  service ;  he  went  ahead,  and  in  the  ex- 
treme darkness  passed  the  intended  place,  far  up  the 
river,  and  then  in  a  most  extraordinary  rninner,  fasten- 
ed his  boat  to  the  shore,  and  abandoned  the  detach- 
ment. In  this  front  boat  he  had  carried  nearly  all  the 
oars,  which  were  prepared  for  the  boats.  In  this  ago- 
nizinrr  dilemma  stood  officers  and  men,  whose  ardour  had 
not  been  cooled  by  exposure  through  the  night  to  a 
most  tremendous  north-east  storm,  which  continued 
unabated  for  twenty-eight  hours,  and  deluged  the  whole 
camp.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  to  have  commanded 
the  detachment. 

"  After  this  result,  I  had  hoped  that  'he  patience  of 
the  troops  would  have  continued  until  I  could  submit 
tlie  plan  suggested  in  my  letter  of  the  8th,  that  I  might 
act  under,  and  in  conformity  to,  the  opinion  which  might 
be  then  expressed.  But  my  hope  was  idle ;  the  pre- 
viously excited  ardour  seemed  to  have  gained  new  heat 
from  the  late  miscarriage.  The  '  brave  were  too  morti- 
fied to  stop  short  of  their  object,  and  t  ^e  timid  thought 
laurels  half  won  by  the  attempt.'  On  the  morning  of 
the  12Lh,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  me  from  all  quar- 
ters, that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act, 
might  involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  dis- 
grace."* 

Except  in  some  minor  details,  the  arrangements  for 
another  attempt  were  the  same  as  on  the  last,  ^'he 
boi^ts  were  brought  back  after  daylight,  and  left  on  the 
shore  opposite  Queenstown,  where  they  remained  the 
two  subsequent  days  in  full  sight,  and  within  musket 

*  See  despatch  from  G.  V.  R.  of  Oct.  14th,  to  Gen.  Dearborn,  in 

Appendix  No.  II. 


{(< 


N( 


NARRATIVE. 


23 


shot  of  the  enemy.*  The  appearance  was  regarded  as 
a  feint,  and  they  became  impressed  with  a  belief,  that 
they  were  intended  to  carry  an  armament  down  the 
river  against  Fort  George.  Our  operations  at  and  near 
Fort  Niagara,  before  alluded  to,t  which  they  had  lately 
seen  effected  opposite  that  post,  confirmed  the  belief  to 
such  a  degree,  that  their  principal  force  was  stationed 
there ;  and  when  Gen.  Brock  was  afterwards  first  in- 
formed of  the  firing  at  Queenstown,  he  declared  that  it 
could  not  possibly  be  an  attack.  "  It  was  nothing  more 
than  the  war  between  sentinels."!:  To  all  this,  in  con- 
nection with  their  faith  in  the  impregnable  nature  of  the 
place,  we  may  ascribe  tlie  reason  why  they  were  so 
weakly  garrisoned  here ;  and  that  they  were  so,  was 
divulged  to  us  through  such  sources  as  unequivocally  to 
justify  an  attack,  and  it  was  decided  that  it  should  be 
made  under  my  direction  on  the  morning  of  the  13th. 

During  the  two  intervening  days,  although  yet  suf- 
fering under  the  effects  of  a  fever,  by  which  I  had  been 
confined  to  my  bed  until  near  the  moment  of  being 
called  out  to  lead  the  first  intended  expedition,  I  was 
constantly  employed  in  personally  attending  to  complete 
the  arrangements  for  battle,  and  in  ii'-'M'ucting  the  dif- 
ferent participators  in  the  particular  duties  to  be  assign- 
ed them. 

Mr.  Cook,  a  highly  respectable  citizen  of  Lewiston, 
(father  of  the  Hon.  Bates  Cook,  lately  a  member  of 
congress,  who,  if  I  mistake  not,  with  one  or  more  bro- 


'  .11 

i 


*  The  Niagara  river  being;  but  about  three  hundied  and  fifty  yards 
■wide  at  this  place,  a  Briiish  sentinel  was  killed  at  his  post  by  a  shot 
from  our  side.      See  Correspondence  on    this  subject  in  Appendix, 

No.—, 
t  See  Correspondence  with  Col.  Fenwick,  Appendix,  No.  II. 
\  Sec  Appendix,  No.  II. 


mmm 


24 


NARRATIVE. 


I     I 


I    1 


' 


thers  volunteered  his  services  for  the  occasion),  was 
this  time  entrusted  with  the  duty  of  procuring  trust- 
worthy boatmen,  at  whatever  expense  ;  and  they  with 
tlie  boats  were  put  under  his  direction.  To  Mr.  Lovett 
was  committed  the  management  of  the  fire  from  the 
eighteen-gun  battery  on  the  heights  of  Lewiston.  This 
was  an  important  duty.  The  balls  from  this  battery 
were  to  pass  over  the  heads  of  the  assaulting  party,  in 
order  to  reach  the  enemy  in  the  village  of  dueenstown. 
The  duty  in  the  result  was  satisfactorily  performed, 
though  at  the  expense  of  Mr.  L.'s  hearing.  He  never 
recovered  from  the  astounding  effects  of  his  own  fire. 

Lt.  Col.  Christie,  who  had  lately  arrived  with  a  rein- 
forcement of  near  four  hundred  regulars,  having  begged 
the  honour  of  a  command  in  the  expedition,*  was  ac- 
cordingly ordered  up  to  Lewiston  with  three  hundred  of 
his  men.  The  remainder  were  left  to  guard  the  boats 
and  stores  which  he  had  brought  with  him,  to  the 
mouth  of  Four-Mile  Creek.  Three  hundred  militia-men, 
w^ho  had  been  in  camp  several  months,  and  were  much 
superior  to  the  newly  recruited  regulars  in  point  of  disci- 
pline, together  w4th  forty  picked  men  from  Capt.  Leo- 
nard's old  company  of  artillery  from  Fort  Niagara,  un- 
der Lieuts.  Gansevoort  and  Rathbone,  with  all  the 
equipments  belonging  to  their  proper  line  of  service, 
composed  the  detachment  under  my  own  immediate 
command.  An  equal  number  from  each  of  these  two 
detachments,  together  with  the  forty  artillerists,  were  to 
proceed  from  tlie  encampment,  and  effect  the  first  de- 
scent upon  the  enemy's  shore.  Lie  ^  Col.  Fenwick, 
and  Major  Mullany,  were  to  follow  with  about  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty  regulars,  and  some  pieces  of  flying  artil- 


See  Col.  Fenwick's  correspondence,  No.  II. 


J  "^ 


•H 


NARRATlVfi. 


S5 


Icry,  and  then  the  militia  in  order,  as  fast  £is  the  boats 
could  carry  them.         '  '  -   '       . 

The  arrangement,  however,  was  partially  deranged, 
when  we  reached  the  bank  of  the  river.  Here  the 
troops  were  halted  ;  and  while  accompanied  by  my  two 
acting  aids,  Lush  and  Gansevoort,  I  was  inspecting  the 
condition  of  the  boats,  which,  by  the  way,  appeared  to 
be  in  perfect  order,  the  regulars  got  possession  of  the 
narrow  dug  way  leading  down  to  the  water's  ei]ge.  In 
this  emergency  it  became  necessary  either  to  counter- 
march part  of  this  force,  a  movement  which  we  appre- 
hended might  arouse  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  or  to 
fill  the  boats  with  regular  troops  in  the  first  place,  to  the 
partial  exclusion  of  the  militia.  The  latter  alternative 
was  adopted,  and  Major  Morrison  was  ordered  to  follow 
with  the  remainder  of  the  detachment,  in  the  return 
boats.        .      .  •  .■  •  I      - 

When  the  troops  had  embarked,  to  the  number  of 
twenty-five  in  each  boat,  I  first  walked  along  the  line 
to  see  that  all  were  ready,  and  finding  they  were  so, 
leaped  into  the  one  containing  the  picked  artillerists, 
and  gave  the  word  to  push  off.  The  order  was  prompt- 
ly obeyed.  Counterbalancing,  in  the  favouring  eddies 
on  either  side,  the  lee-way  made  in  crossing  the  main 
current,  within  ten  m^iutes  all  the  boats,  excepting 
three,  struck  the  enemy's  shore  without  difficulty,  at  the 
identical  spot  aimed  at.  Having  landed,  the  boits  were 
inmiediately  sent  back.  The  troops  were  formed,  and 
charged  up  the  bank,  where  they  met  the  enemy.  A 
short,  but  severe  engagement  took  place,  with  heavy  loss 
on  both  sides  ;  but  we  were  victorious,  and  the  enemy 
gave  way,  and  fled  towards  Queenstown,  on  our  right. 
The  position  we  occupied  cut  off  their  retreat  to  their 
main  battery  on  the  heights.     Finding  myself  very 


I ; 


<t  , 


POr  NARRATIVE. 

much  crippled  now,  by  a  number  of  wounds,  and  with 
the  loss  of  blood,  unable  to  proceed  any  farther,  I  in- 
quired for  Lieut.  Col.  Chribtie,  but  not  hearing  of  him,  I 
directed  the  troops  to  fall  back  a  few  steps,  under  cover 
of  a  bank,  where  they  were  secure  from  the  desultory 
shots  still  occasionally  pointed  at  them.  In  this  situation, 
a  pause  of  some  time  occurred,  while  my  staff  were  out 
in  a  vain  search  for  my  missing  second  in  command. 
Had  he  been  on  the  spot,  the  affair  would  have  pro- 
ceeded without  a  moment's  delay.     But  although  the 
business  yet  to  be  done  was  all-important  to  the  success 
of  our  enterprise,  as  long  as  there  were  any  hopes  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Christie's  arrival,  I  was  unwilling  to  entrust 
its  execution  to  such  very  young  men,  the  highest  of 
whom  in  rank  were  only  captains,  not  six  months  in  ser- 
vice.    But  he  was  not  to  be  found  ;  and  as  it  was  now 
broad  daylight,  any  farther  delay  was  highly  hazard- 
ous ;  and  I  therefore,  in  an  agony  of  feeling  which  be- 
longed to  the  occasion,  directed  the  troops  to  incline  a 
little  to  the  left,  and  ascend  the  heights  by  the  point  of 
the  rock,  and  storm  the  battery,  which  by  this  time  had 
opened  its  fire  upon  our  place  of  embarkation.     Lieut. 
Gansevoort,  being  well  acquainted  with  the  ground,  was 
ordered  to  lead  the  way,  at  the  head  of  the  picked  artil- 
lerists, assisted  by  Lieut.  Randolph.    Lieut.  Rathbone 
having  fallen  mortally  wounded  at  my  side  ;  other  troops 
followed.  Major  Lush,  my  other  acting  aid,  bringing  up 
the  rear,  with  orders  to  shoot  down  the  first  man  who 
offered  to  give  way.     The  noble*  young  men  obeyed 
my  directions,  and,  in  due  time,  the  report  of  a  well- 
told  volley,  and  the  cheering  shouts  of  victory,  reached 
my  ear,  assuring  me  of  their  complete  success. 


it  ):• 


*  For  the  names  of  these  gallant  young  men,  see  Appendix,  No.  I, 


NARRATIVE. 


27 


Having  thus  accomplished  the  work  with  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  men,  for  which  six  hundred  and 
forty  had  been  detailed,  nothing  farther  was  necessary 
for  the  full  attainment  of  the  objects  of  the  enterprise, 
than  to  secure  the  advantages  gained.  Nothing  was 
easier ;  but  an  unfortunate  occurrence  of  adverse  cir- 
cumstances, turned  the  fortunes  of  the  day  against  our 
arms.  I  could  not  participate,  personally,  in  the  subse- 
quent events  ;  and  I  must  refer  to  Wilkinson's  Memoirs, 
with  Capt.  Wool's  report,*  and  to  General  Van  Rensse- 
laer's report,!  for  a  statement  of  them.  I  may  add,  as 
a  conclusion  of  my  own  observations,  however,  that  it 
had  been  anticipated  that  the  enemy  might  open  the  fire 
of  a  piece  of  flying  artillery,  from  the  village  of  Q,ueens- 
town,  upon  our  place  of  embarkation,  as  soon  as  they 
were  aroused  to  action  by  our  attack.  Mr.  Lovett's  at- 
tention had,  therefore,  been  particularly  directed  to  this 
contingency  the  day  before ;  and,  in  compliance  with 
the  instructions  then  received,  as  soon  as  there  was 
light  enough,  he  turned  the  long  eigh teens  of  the  bat- 
tery on  Lewiston  heights  upon  this  spot,  in  such  a  mas- 
terly manner  as  to  drive  the  enemy  out  before  their  bat- 
tery was  carried.  The  ferry  was  unannoyed  after  this, 
except  by  the  fire  of  one  gun  ;  but  the  distance  was  too 
great,  and  the  formation  of  the  banks  rendered  this 
fire  almost  ineffectual.  I  was  afterwards  told  that  none 
of  our  boats  were  injured  by  cannon  shot.  The  artille- 
rists, who  were  purposely  attached  to  the  storming 
party,  and  provided  with  matches,  were  to  have  turned 
the  fire  of  the  battery  on  Queenstown  heights  upon  the 
village,  and  particularly  upon  the  lower  one-gun  bat- 
tery above  alluded  to,  which  was  about  a  mile  below, 


No.  I, 


See  Appendix  I. 


f  See  Appendix  11. 


28 


NARRATIVE. 


I     ! 


i<  fii 


!    '  . 


It  ii! 


|i  M 


and  could  not  be  reached  from  any  other  quarter.  But 
some  one  of  the  number,  in  a  fit  of  over-zealouH  patriot- 
ism, frustrated  the  design,  by  spiking  tlie  cannon  as 
soon  as  captured.  '    • 

Priding  myself  as  I  do,  on  the  ha)>its  acquired  under 
the  tuition  of  Generals  Wayne,  Wilkinson,  and  Posey,  I 
am  not  conscious  of  ever  having  neglected  the  perform- 
ance of  the  most  iuinute  detail  appertaining  to  my  du- 
ties as  a  military  man.  Nor  do  1  recollect  of  a  neglect  on 
this  occasion.  Selected  to  lead  an  expedition  on  which 
the  result  of  a  whole  campaign  depended,  my  reputation 
was  at  stake,  and  my  anxiety  to  give  my  counfy  a 
glorious  oflTset  to  the  disaster  of  Hull,  rendered  me,  if 
possible,  doubly  vigilant.  Every  preparation  deemed 
essential  was  made  under  my  own  inspection,  and  every 
contingency  was  provided  for  a  successful  issue ;  and  if 
the  result  was  unfortunate,  it  certainly  was  not  on  ac- 
count of  any  defect,  either  in  the  plan  of  the  expedition, 
or  in  the  arrangements  made  to  carry  it  into  execution. 
Had  Lieut.  Colonel  Christie,  for  instance,  eifected  his 
landing  in  conjunction  with  myself,  no  delay  need  have 
been  occasioned  at  the  important  crisis  when  I  became 
disabled.  The  batteries  would  have  been  secured  be- 
fore the  enemy  were  prepared  to  annoy  us,  and  our  pri- 
mary object,  an  unmolested  passage  to  the  reinforce- 
ments, would  have  been  secured  in  season.  To  his  fail- 
ure may  mainly  be  attributed  all  our  disasters.  Yet  the 
apology  which  he  makes  for  it,  in  his  report  to  Gen. 
Armstrong,  (the  loss  of  a  rowlock  and  an  unskilful 
pilot,)  would,  in  a  spirit  of  charity  be  deemed  sufficient, 
were  it  not  known  that  other  boats  besides  his  own,  were 
ordered  by  him  to  fall  back  at  the  same  time,*    His  re- 

*  Capt  Lawrence,  in  one  of  the  three  unsuccessful  boats,  has  repeat- 
edly declared  th^X  he  fflll  back  by  Christie's  orders,   .      •  ^ 


t  J 


1" 


NARnATlVE. 


80 


;  ,1 


turn  damped  the  hitherto  irrepressible  ardour  of  the  mi- 
litia; Major  Morrison,  instead  of  leading  his  detach- 
ment across  the  river,  suddenly  found  himself  taken  too 
unwell  for  the  duty  ;  and  though  the  dreaded  fire  on  the 
ferry  was  now  silenced  by  Mr.  Lovett's  battery,  and  the 
heights  were  captured,  yet  the  panic  had  become  so  gene- 
ral, that  but  a  small  portion  of  our  army  could  be  pre- 
vailed on  to  cross.  The  remainder,  to  their  eternal 
shame  be  it  said,  instead  of  lending  their  aid  to  sustain 
their  gallant  brethren  in  their  victorious  career,  stood 
passively,  and  saw  them  cut  up,  and  captured  in  the 
eVid,  by  a  force  amounting  to  about  one-third  of  their 
united  number.     <     '  .      •        •. 

Having  finished  the  brief  personal  narrative  of  the 
affair  of  Queenstown,  which  it  had  been  my  purpose  to 
offer,  the  object  of  this  work  now  requires,  that  I  should 
proceed  to  an  equally  brief  review  of  those  extraordinary 
"  Remarks"  applicable  to  this  affair,  which,  with  others 
of  a  similar  kind  to  be  found  in  Gen.  Armstrong's  book, 
form  the  distinguishing  features  of  the  work,  make  it 
characteristic,  and  mark  it  for  his  own.  i.  ' 

■  •     ..         .    .■         •.       '  • '.  ^   !> 

No.  I.  "  The  false  and  improbable  report  of  a  spy 
was  made  the  ground-work  of  the  expedition."  The  re- 
port of  this  spy  was  neither  false  nor  improbable ;  it  was 
true,  and  was  corroborated  and  confirmed  by  other  in- 
formation already  had,  in  relation  to  the  British  force  at 
Queenstown.  That  he  was  not  mistaken  about  their 
numbers,  and  that  the  detachment  which  landed  with 
me  was  more  than  enough  to  overpower  them,  was  ma- 
nifest in  the  result.  Their  whole  force  at  Q,ueenstown 
proved  to  be  comprised  of  two  flank  companies  of  the 
49th,  a  few  militia,  and  Indians.  After  the  foot-hold  was 
obtained,  if  General  V.  R.'s  army  had  crossed  the  river 


\   i 


|i    Li 


i 
•   % 

•i 


^<s 


80 


NARRATIVE* 


its  capacity  for  contending  with  the  whole  of  the  force 
of  the  enemy,  is  a  matter  about  wiiicii  no  doubt  can  be 
entertained. 

II.  "  Every  mihtary  enterprize  should  have  some  use- 
ful and  important  object."  "  Yet,"  yays  our  historian, 
"according-  to  the  General'^  oflkial  report,  his  views 
were  limited,  on  this  occasion,  to  the  expulsion  of  a  small 
British  detachment  from  Queenstown,  and  the  occupa- 
tion of  that  village  as  winter  (juarters  for  his  troops." — 
Now  observe  the  fairness  of  this  bold  assertion.  General 
Armstrong  knew  that  the  views  of  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer were  not  thus  limited,  and  no  such  inference  what- 
ever was  authorized  to  be  drawn  from  any  official  report 
of  his.  It  was,  indeed,  casually  mentioned  in  his  letter 
to  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  day  after  the  battle,  that  the 
possession  of  the  village  of  dueenstown,  if  taken,  would, 
as  an  incidental  advantage,  have  aflforded  to  the  troops 
a  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the  season.  And  this 
expression  is  seized  on  as  indicating  and  comprehending 
the  whole  objects  of  the  expedition,  to  the  exclusion  of  a 
despatch,  known  to  General  Armstrong,  in  which  these 
objects  were  particularly  detailed.  The  following  single 
quotation  should  cover  the  historian  with  shame : — 
"  Should  we  succeed,  we  shall  effect  a  great  discomfiture 
of  the  enemy,  by  breaking  their  line  of  communication, 
driving  their  shipping  from  the  mouth  of  this  river, 
leaving  them  no  rallying  point  in  this  part  of  the  coun- 
try, appalling  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  and  opening 
a  wide  and  safe  communication  for  our  supplies  ;  we 
shall  save  our  own  land,  wipe  away  part  of  the  score  of 
our  past  disgrace,  get  excellent  barracks  and  winter 
quarters,  and,  at  least,  be  prepared  for  an  early  campaign 
another  year. 


i 


\: 


•  .*" 


1 


ft 

\ 


NARRATIVE. 


91 


'  III.  "  The  troop<?  employed,  or  intended  to  be  employ- 
ed on  tluH  service,  were  principally  militia,  and  therefore 
not  better  chosen  than  the  ohject  itself.  Why  this  was 
80,  is  a  problem  not  yet  satisfactorily  explained.  If  it 
originated  in  an  esprit  da  corps,  or  belief  of  militia  effi- 
ciency, there  may  be  some  colour  of  excuse  for  the  error  ; 
but  if,  as  reported,  the  arrangement  was  niade  to  gra- 
tify the  ambition  of  an  individual.^  the  act  was  not 
merely  injudicious  but  criminal."  There  was  no  choice 
in  the  matter.  The  intention  was,  to  have  employed 
all  the  disposable  force  :  militia  constituted  the  greatest 
proportion.  The  deduction,  then,  at  the  commencement 
of  this  note,  may  be  ascribed  to  the  wilful  misrepresenta- 
tion of  the  writer,  for  he  had  the  official  returns  before 
bin)  ;  but  if  it  is  only  to  be  considered  applicable  to  the 
firot  detachment,  it  is  false:  for,  as  already  stated,  that 
division  contained  forty  regular  artillerists  and  three  hun- 
dred miUtia ;  the  other,  three  hundred  regulars.  As  to  the 
selection  of  a  leader,  Gen.  V.  II.  made  it,  after  due  reflec- 
tion and  consultation,  and  it  behoves  me  not  to  discuss  its 
propriety :  but  it  may  not  be  amiss  to  state,  that  it  seems  to 
have  met  theapproval  even  of  the  author  of  the  report  from 
which  the  historian  draws  so  largely  for  his  embellish- 
ments. He,  it  appears  from  this  document,  though  not 
disposed  to  waive  his  rank,  yet,  in  fact,  was  not  disin- 
clined, and  did  consent  to  serve  under  an  officer  of  esta- 
blished reputation.  The  truth  is,  there  was  no  other 
officer  on  the  ground  who  had  seen  service ;  and  a 
glimpse  at  the  incidents  of  an  earlier  period  of  my  hfe, 
might  perhaps  be  sufficient  to  show,  that  General  V.  R. 
believed  he  had  some  good  reasons  for  making  the  selec- 
tion he  did.*  - 


*  When  about  eighteen  years  of  age  I  joined  the  army,  under  the 
command  of  General  Wayne,  as  a  Cornet  of  cavalry,and  before  twen- 


t 


32 


NARRATIVE. 


¥  i' 


I'! 
t 


:'  .'1 


II 


"I   ir 


My 


I 


f  ■*. 

I 


IV.  "  If  it  be  necessary  to  pass  an  army  over  a  large 
and  rapid  river,  durnonstrations  tshouid  never  be  omitted, 

ty  was  promoted  to  the  command  of  a  troop.    In  the  action  of  the  20th 
August,  171)4,  I  received  a  wound  through  my  lungs,  which  was  at  first 
considered,  by  the  surgeons,  to  be  mortal,  but  whic)»  my  youth  and 
strong  constitution  surmounted.     How  I  acquitted  myself,  the  de- 
spatches from  General  Wayne  to  the  war-department  bear  ample  tes- 
timony.    Suflering  yet  from  the  cflects  of  my  wound,  and  there  being 
no  prospect  of  active  service,  in  March,  1797,  I  went  to  Philadelphia, 
with  the  intention  of  resigning  my  commission.     At  the  war-office  I 
found  General  Wilkinson.    Both  himself  and  Mr.  Secretary  M'Henry 
expressed  great  satisfaction  at  seeing  me.     The  latter  observed,  that 
he  intended  that  day  to  have  written  to  me:  and  when  informed  that 
I  was  there  with  a  view  to  resign,  and  engage  in  some  other  business, 
he  was  kind  enough  to  interpose  a  strenuous  opposition,  in  which  he 
■was  strongly  seconded  by  the  Secretary,  on  the  ground  that  my  ser- 
vices were  required  for  a  delicate,  perhaps  dangerous  duty.     I  was  at 
once  informed,  tliat  if  I  would  undertake  the  enterprise  offered  me,  I 
should  have  a  blank  furlough  in  my  pocket,  with  the  power  to  fill  it 
up  at  my  own  discretion.     Such  a  mark  of  confidence  induced  me  to 
consent.    I  returned,  made  my  arrangements,  and,  without  delay,  fol- 
lowed General  Wilkinson    to  Fort  Washington,  (now  Cincinnati.) 
Here  I  found  the  men  of  my  old  troop  dismounted.     I  had  not  seen  the 
fine  fellows  since  the  great  battle  in  which  they  bore  a  distinguished 
part.     The  meeting  was  as  unexpected  as  gratifying.     I  immediately 
passed  over  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  to  facilitate  and  superintend  the  purchase 
of  horses  to  mount  my  men,  and  in  a  few  days  reported  myself  and 
troop  ready  for  duty :  whsn,  in  compliance  with  my  orders,  (see  App. 
order  14,)  then  received,  I  ijroceeded  to  Knoxville,  and  remained  there 
until  the  object  for  which  I  had  been  sent  was  accomplished.  When  the 
conduct  of  France  towards  this  country  rendered  it  necessary  for  the 
general  government  to  augment  the  army,  and  when  Washington  was 
again  called  upon  to  place  himself  at  its  head,  he  sent  for  me  ;  and  in 
the  presence  of  Generals  Hamilton  and  Pinckney,  questioned  me  about 
the  state  of  my  wound,  and  soon  after  I  was  appointed  a  Major  of  ca- 
valry.    By  the  law  subsequently  enacted  for  reducing  this  army,  two 
troops  of  cavalry  were  retained  without  a  field  officer.    I,  of  course,  was 
among  the  disbanded,  but  not  until  after  every  effort  in  my  favour  had 
been  made  by  Governor  Jay,  the  gallant  but  ill-used  Gen.  Schuyler, 
General  Hamilton,  and  others.— (See  Letters,  Appendix,  5.)     Soon 
after,  I  received  the  appointment  of  Adjutant  General  of  the  militia  of 


NARRATIVE. 


33 


provided  tlic  extent  of  your  own  force  will  juntify  dc- 
tachiiif^." 

On  the  occasion  of  the  first  intended  attack,  on  the 
11th  Octoher,  an  exception  to  this  rule  occurred.  Tlie 
object  was,  to  surprise  the  enemy  in  liie  ni^lit ;  and  it 
would  have  succeeded,  beyond  all  (juestion,  if  the  de- 
scent had  been  efiected.  For  the  13ih,  sutlicient  denion- 
strations  vveit  made  for  the  purposes  recpiired  in  the  rule. 
The  appearance  of  our  boats  at  the  ferry  two  full  days 
before  the  action,  was  regarded  as  a  feint,  intended  to 
mask  some  other  movement,  and  so  it  was  supposed  it 
would  be  regarded  ;  and  as  already  stated,  in  connection 
with  this,  the  extension  of  our  works  at  Fort  Niagara, 
together  with  the  presence  of  forty  additional  boats  near 
it,  at  the  mouth  of  Four-mile  Creek,  induced  the  British 
commander  to  believe,  as  it  was  designed  he  should,  that 
Fort  George  was  our  object;  and  there,  as  the  result 
proved,  he  was  fully  prepared,  but  not  a(  Queenstown. 
The  departure  of  General  Smyth  and  Colonel  Scott  from 
their  respective  posts,  at  ll^!  xk  Rock  and  the  Falls,  wag 
not  observed  by  the  enemy  until  after  we  had  secured  a 
foot-hold  on  his  shore,  as  they  marched  in  the  night. 
If  the  remainder  of  the  troops  had  crossed  over,  and  sus- 
tained us  then,  the  concentrated  forces  of  all  the  British 
garrisons  could  have  made  no  impression  upon  us. 


this  state,  under  that  great  and  good  man,  Gov.  Jay.  This  appoint- 
ment I  held  during  the  respective  administrations  of  his  successors  Go- 
vernors George  Clinton  and  Lewis;  for  nine  yeais  during  Governor 
Tompkins's  administration,  and,  though  subsequent  to  the  events  on 
■which  the  mention  of  these  facts  is  intended  to  bear,  for  nearly  the 
whole  period  of  Governor  Dewitt  Clinton's.  Now,  knowing-  all  this,  as 
he  did,  and  that  I  had  obtained  these  marks  of  consideration  and  of 
confidence  from  such  high  sources,  the  question  is,  Was  General  V.  R, 
justifiable  in  selecting  me  to  take  the  lead  in  the  expedition?  And  if  soj 
although  I  do  not  deny  that  my  ambition  was  highly  gratified  by  thft 
selection,  wherein  consisted  its  criminality  ? 


•1    !- 


tA 


» 


34 


NARRATIVE, 


V.  "  Every  officer  charged  with  the  direction  of  a  mi- 
litary enterpr'se,  should,  before  commencing  it,  assure 
himself,  that  die  means  necessary  for  that  purpose  are 
provided  and  ready  for  use." 

Having  been  confined  to  my  bed  previous  to  the  first 
attempt,  General  Wads  worth,  a  brave  and  meritorious 
ofiicer,  was  reciiiested  to  superintend  the  movements  of 
the  boats.  We  had  forty  lying  in  Gill  Creek,  the  whole 
number  of  which  could  not  be  brought  down  without 
alarming  he  enemy  with  apprehensions  of  an  attack  at 
the  real  point.  However,  he  procured  as  many  as  were 
reon'ied  :  and,  after  the  failure  of  the  first  attempt,  (the 
causes  of  whi-h  have  heretofore  been  stated,)  other  effi- 
cient means  were  taken  to  regulate  the  employment  of 
them ;  and  notwithstanding  the  allegations  of  certain 
individuals,  who  sought  an  excuse  for  their  own  mis- 
conduct, it  is  due  to  Mr.  Cook  to  say  here,  that  his  de- 
partment was  well  regulated  ;  and  as  long  as  the  troops 
showed  a  disposition  to  cross,  it  was  well  conducted.  If 
there  was  any  ii:  regularity  afterward,  the  fault  was  not 
so  much  in  his  boatmen  as  in  his  passengers. 


-1 

f 


III 'I 


n 


w 


VI.  "  An  army  crossing  a  river  in  small  detachments, 
and  consecutively,  exposes  itself  to  be  beaten  in  detail  by 
an  enemy  much  inferior  to  itself;  another  important 
maxim,  which  on  this  occasion  was  forgotten  or  'disre- 
garded." The  enemy  were  unprepared  for  an  attack,  as 
already  fully  shewn ;  our  first  detachment  proved  liself 
able  to  master  their  garrison ;  and  after  the  mastery 
was  gained,  our  boats  were  abundantly  suflScient  to  have 
carried  over  our  whole  army,  (with  the  exception  of  such 
parts  as  were  necessary  for  the  defence  of  certain  posts,) 
(before  ten  o'clock  in  the  moiTing.  Now  the  British  force, 


f 


^ 


♦K.'^ 


NARRATIVE. 


35 


mch 


)rce, 


under  General  Sheafle,  did  not  a:rive  on  the  spot  until 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

VIT.  "  The  place  r-elected  for  crossing  the  river  was 
ill-judgf  J."  That  this  stream  it  "  a  sheet  of  eddies,"  as 
quoted  by  Gen.  A.,  is  true,  no  doubt ;  and  this  is  the  very 
fact  which  accounts  for  the  pains  taken  to  secure  the 
services  of  experienced  boatmen  :  yet  any  person  may 
realize  the  ease  with  which  a  passage,  under  tiic  guid- 
ance of  skilful  pilots,  may  bo  effected  by  crossing  over  the 
spot  in  the  ^erry-boat  of  'he  present  day.  And  what  if  it 
was  commanded  by  the  enemy's  batteries?  The  bearing 
of  his  guns  had  been  examined  beforehand,  and  the  whole 
case  provided  for.  Beginning  the  embaikation  under 
the  cover  of  the  night,  we  had  a  chance  of  escaping  ob- 
servation :  and  even  if  we  had  been  observed,  we  were 
soon  out  of  the  range  of  their  batteries  ;  and  at  the  place 
selected  for  our  landing,  nothing  but  small  arms  could 
be  used  against  us. 

VIII.  "  The  omission  to  ascertain,  previously  to  the 
adoption  of  the  project,  the  political  sentiments  of  the 
militia  on  the  question  of  invLsion,  and  that  of  not 
promptly  recalhng  the  advanced  corps  after  having  as- 
certained that  point,  were  errors  of  great  niagnitude. — • 
Both  measures  were  entirely  within  the  General's  power, 
and  had  they  been  adopted,  would  either  have  prevented 
the  enterpiiL-e,or  have  terminated  it  at  a  moment  when, 
by  the  death  of  Brock  and  the  flight  of  the  enemy,  we 
should  have  had  (he  credit  o;'  a  victory,  instead  of  the 
discredit  of  a  defeat.  And  lastly,  nothing  could  be  more 
ill-judged  than  the  attempt  made  to  withdraw  the  corps, 
after  it  had  lost  its  ascendancy  in  the  field,  and  when  the 


■T    J,*-. 


IS   ' 


u 


11  ; 

ii 


■■■>  ■  * ' 


.1,  f 


yf 


36 


i'^K 


t^f 


NARRATIVE. 


means  necessary  for  the  passing  the  river,  or  of  covering 
the  retreat,  no  longer  existed." 

In  his  despatch  of  Oct.  14,  General  V.  R.  writes— 
"  The  partial  success  of  Lieut.  Elliot  at  Black  Rock,  (of 
which  I  have,  however,  received  no  official  inforiT.ation,) 
began  to  excite  in  the  troops  a  strong  disposition  to  act. 
This  was  expressed  to  me  through  various  channels,  in 
the  shape  of  an  alternative,  that  they  must  have  orders 
to  act,  or,  at  all  hazards,  they  would  go  home."  The 
alternative  which  Gen.  V.  R.  thought  his  own  reputa- 
tion and  the  good  of  the  service  required  him  to  adopt, 
imder  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  was  to  tatie  (he 
troops  at  their  word,  and  lead  them  into  actioi-  •  tt 

attempt  ot;  the  II  th  was  the  consequence.  It  resulted 
in  a  failure.  So  far  from  being  damped  by  this,  the  Gene- 
ral adds,  "  The  previously  excited  ardour  seems  to  have 
gained  new  heat  from  the  late  miscarriage  :  the  brave 
Wire  mortified  to  stop  short  of  their  object,  and  the  timid 
thought  laurels  half  won  by  the  attempt.  On  the  morn- 
ing of  the  lith,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  me  from  all 
quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act 
might  involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  dis- 
grace." Now  it  was  known  to  every  officer  on  the 
ground,  that  such  a  state  of  things  existed  ;  and  as  the 
troops  were  aware  that  they  could  not  act  against  the 
enemy  without  invading  them,  in  the  name  of  common 
sense,  what  stronger  evidence  of  the  political  sentiments 
on  the  question  of  invasion  could  be  required  I 

At  the  period  of  Gen.  Brock's  fall,  and  tlie  flight  of 
the  enemy,  the  troops  were  still  crossing,  v/e  had  a  pros- 
pect of  a  victorious  termination  of  the  enterprize,  and  do 
one  then  supposed  the  militia  would  change  their  minds : 
of  course,  the  idea  of  a  retreat  could  not  be  entertained. 


T 


' . 


1 


* 


% 


1 


isfht  of 


^ 


NARHATrVE. 


37 


m 


^\ 


Gen.  V.  R.  crossecl  over  about  this  time,  leaving  direc- 
tions for  the  militia  to  follow  :  but  learning  subsequently 
that  he  was  not  obeyed,  he  returned,  with  a  view  of  as- 
certaining the  cause,  and  to  expedite  their  movements. 
It  was  then,  for  the  first  time,  he  found  them  recreant 
to  the  promises  which  their  late  clamour  for  action  inv 
plied.  After  trying  all  the  means  that  human  inge- 
nuity could  devise,  to  arouse  them  to  a  sense  of  their 
duty,  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  the  effort  in  despair. — 
He  then  despatched  a  note  to  General  Wadsworth,  in- 
forming him  of  the  predicament,  and  leaving  the  course 
to  be  pursued  much  to  his  own  judgment ;  assured  him, 
if  he  thought  best  to  retreat,  every  thing  in  his  power 
would  be  done  to  render  the  measure  as  easy  and  as  safe 
as  possible. 

The  note,  however,  reached  its  destination  too  late. 
Reinforcements  of  the  enemy,  under  Gen.  Slieaffe,  were 
by  this  time  near  at  hand,  and  very  soon  our  little  band 
of  heroes  were  attacked,  and  after  another  obstinate  fight, 
overpowered.  The  General  closes  his  narrative  of  the 
events  of  this  eventful  day,  thus  : — "1  can  only  add, 
that  the  victory  was  reallt/  won,  but  lost  for  want  of  a 
small  reinforcement  ;  onc-t'iird  pari  of  the  idle  men 
would  have  saved  all."  If  this  presumption  is  a  just 
one,  and  it  never  has  been  doubted,  it  furnishes  a  strik- 
ing commentary  on  the  masterly  judgment  displayed 
in  arranging  the  plan  of  operations  ;  for  with  the  facta 
before  us,  all  will  admit  that  the  General  had  indications 
enough,  to  justify  him  in  his  dependence  upon  the  sup- 
port of  these  "  idle  men" 

\l  has  been  shown,  that  we  were  successful  in  every 
important  measure,  up  to  the  time  of  Gen.  Siieafle's  ar- 
rival. Now,  as  we  had  possession  of  the  main  road  lead- 
ing from  dueenstov^n  heights  through  the  village  to  Fort 

D 


lii 

1'! 


I-' 


lit 


i 


'Mi      ! 


i,    !' 


ti,j 


i.    '■ 


^  I 


...1 


i^i 


i    I 


M 


H 


38 


NARRATIVE. 


George,cver  a  cleared  and  flat  country,  he,  (Gen.  Sheaffe,) 
was  obliged  to  file  off  when  he  came  near  Queenstown, 
to  his  right,  to  the  small  village  of  St  Davids,  which 
was  four  and  a  half  miles  west  in  the  rear  of  Q,ueenstown. 
From  thence,  ascending  the  heights,  he  had  four  and  a  half 
miles  more  to  march  east,  in  order  to  give  battle  to  our 
troops,  and  recover  his  battery.  Our  force  would  haveout- 
numbered  his,  three  toone,  and  if  the  militia  had  donetheir 
duty,  his  defeat  would  have  been  certain.  In  that  case, 
his  retreat  would  have  been  cut  off ;  the  distance  for  him 
k  •  rfteen  miles,  forusonly  six  by  thedirect  road, to  Fort 
Gee  .*  This  post  would  have  fallen  without  striking 
a  blow,  for  there  were  not  more  than  twenty  men  left  in  it, 
under  Major  Evans,  to  keep  up  the  cannonade  between 
it  and  Fort  Niagara,  and  all  the  objects  aimed  at,  would 
have  been  acquired.! 

General  V.  R.  has  always  been  ready  to  meet  an  in- 
quiry into  his  official  conduct  throughout  this  campaign, 
and  has  boldly  sought  it,  but  none  has  ever  been  accord- 
ed him.  Let  then  the  appeal  now  be  made  to  any 
practical  military  man,  with  the  circumstances  all  beforo 
him,  as  to  the  correctness  of  his  conduct  generally  in 
this  affair,  and  particularly  on  the  occasion  when  he 
suggests  a  retreat  to  a  corps,  which  he  rightly  supposed 
would  otherwise  be  crushed.  "  Nothing  could  be  more 
ill-judged  than  the  attempt, "  in  the  opinion  of  General 
Armstrong ;  but  the  weight  which  should  be  attached 
to  any  opinion  of  his,  in  which  the  conduct  of  either 
General  V.  R.  or  myself  is  implicated,  will  stand  a  bet- 
ter chance  of  being  justly  estimated,  when  these  notes 
shall  have  been  read.     The  estimable  private  as  well 

*  See  Map. 

t  Our  winter  quarters  would  not  have  been  confined  to  Clueenstown, 
but  to  that  place  and  toNewaik,  if  expedient. 


i 


NARRATIVE. 


39 


as  public  character  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  is 
known  and  established  throughout  the  United  States. 
Devotinff  as  he  does  the  renniant  of  a  useful  and  lion- 
ourable  life,  to  promote  objects  of  Christian  benevolence 
and  charity,  it  might  have  been  expected  that  even 
General  Aruistron^'s  malevolence  would  have  found  no 
gratification  in  intruding  upon  his  retirement  and 
interrupting  hin),  in  his  benevolent  pursuits. 

After  the  battle  of  Q,ueenstown,  General  Dearborn, 
profesbing  to  be  satisfied  and  pleased  with  my  conduct, 
told  my  friends  Generals  Lewis  and  V.  R.  at  Greenbush, 
that  a  separate  corps  would  be  organized  for  me,  of  which 
they  informed  me  by  letter  while  confined  with  my 
wounds  at  Buflalo  ;  *  but  owing  to  the  public  defence, 
which  as  a  man  of  honour,  I  found  myself  obliged  to  set 
up  against  the  political  attacks  on  the  conduct  and 
character  of  General  V.  R.,  who  then  was  a  candidate 
for  the  governorship  against  Governor  Tompkins,  I  be- 
came obnokious  to  the  dominant  party  of  the  day,  and 
the  intention  was  never  carried  into  effect. 

Dr.  Eustis,  before  he  resigned  as  secretary  at  war, 
entered  my  name  upon  the  list  for  the  appointment  of 
Brigadier  General.  He  afterward  told  me,  when  in 
Congress  together,  that  he  was  astonished  that  his  suc- 
cessor General  Armstrong  had  not  appointed  me. 

The  present  venerable  Mayor  of  Baltimore,  General 
Samuel  Smith  and  the  Hon.  D.  R.  Williams,  chairman 
of  Committee  on  Military  Affairs  in  Congress,  called  to- 
gether of  their  own  accord,  upon  the  Secretary  of  War, 
to  urge  my  appointment  in  the  army. 


*  I  was  taken  to  this  place  by  a  company  of  Major  Mosely's  Mili- 
tia Riflemen — they  volunteered  to  carry  me  on  their  Bhoulders  all  the 
wjiy  to  Albany, 


ill 


il 


^i 


I 


^1 


.. 


h 


>. ' 


i- 


I 


I 


T  : 


;      J 


\     k 


n  * 

Miff! 


ff 


".!■  !l 


I 


f       ,i. 
1  s 


40 


NARRATIVE. 


When  the  much  persecuted  and  unfortunate  General 
Wilkinson  was  ordered  by  General  Armstrong  from 
New  Orleans  to  take  command  of  the  Northern  army, 
he  too  urged  my  appointment,  but  was  refused.  On 
his  arrival  at  this  place,  however,  he  srnt  for  me  and 
wished  me  to  accompany  him  to  the  frontiers.  I  replied 
that  1  would  willingly  do  so,  if  1  thought  he  had  the  least 
chance  to  effect  any  thing  of  consequence  ;  but  knowing 
that  the  deficiency  of  almost  every  necessary  article,  and 
the  want  of  a  proper  organization  in  any  department  of 
the  army,  would  prevent  his  descent  upon  Montreal  that 
season,  i  declined.* 

Gen.  Harrison,  with  whom  I  had  served  in  General 
Wayne's  army,  also  solicited  my  appointment,  as  his 
second  in  conmiand  in  the  northwestern  army. 

It  will  he  recollected  that  I  never  resigned  my  com- 
mission in  the  regular  service,  but  lost  it  when  the  army 
was  curtailed  ;  my  claim  to  promotion,  therefore,  was 
valid  still,  whenever  any  augmentation  took  place. 
Besides  this,  the  validity  of  such  claims  was  admitted 
in  the  case  of  other  officers  of  Wayne's  army,  and  they 
were  promoted  accordingly.  Harrison,  wlio  was  a 
lieutenant  when  I  commanded  a  troop,  was  commis- 
sioned a  major-general;  Covington,  a  subaltern  in  our 
corps,  a  brigadier  general ;  Ball,  my  cornet,  a  lieutenant 
colonel,  (fee.  <fec.  Yet,  the  above  applications  in  my 
behalf— and  they  were  certainly  entitled  to  some  con- 
sideration, on  the  score  of  the  character  of  the  ap- 
plicants— were  all  superciliously  denied,  on  the  ground 

*  When  informed  by  me  of  the  state  of  his  command,  he  could  hard- 
ly credit,  it  for  Armstrong,  in  reply  to  written  queries  put  to  hin)  on  the 
subject,  had  stated  every  thing  to  be  in  complete  order,  (See  Ws 
memoirs) ;  after  he  had  visited  bis  line  of  posts,  however,  he  wrote  me 
that  things  were  not  only  as  bad  as  I  had  represented,  but  much  worse. 


t 


NARRATIVE. 


41 


as  alleg-ed  to  Wilkinson  and  others — that  I  was  too 
unpopular  to  raise  a  corps.  Where  is  tlie  evidence 
of  this  fact?  Was  Gov.  Tompkins,  with  whom, 
unfortunately,  I  had  been  at  political  variance,  aware 
of  it  when  I  accepted  his  invitation,  as  a  member  of 
his  own  family,  to  assist  him  in  defending  the  city  of 
New- York  from  an  expected  invasion?  Was  it  in- 
dicated in  the  resolution  unanimously  passed  by  the 
council  of  appointment,  to  confirm  my  brevet  as  Major 
General,  in  the  militia  of  this  state,*  or  was  my  election 
to  congress  by  my  neighbours,  without  opposition  in  one 
instance,  and  by  a  triumphant  majority  in  another,  any 
evidence  of  it  I  No,  it  only  existed  in  the  brain  of  a 
calumniator.  Gen.  Armstrong  was  at  that  time  govern- 
ed by  the  basest  of  feelings  and  motives  ;  and  in  the 
antipathies  engendered  in  times  long  past,  and  by  cir- 
cumstances which  should  be  forgotten,  is  to  be  found  the 
whole  secret  of  iiis  present  pecuUar  hostility,  both  to 
Gen.  V.  R.  and  myself. 

COPY 

*  The  commander  in  chief  having  raised  by  brevet  Solomon  Van 
Rensselaer  to  the  rank  of  major-general  in  the  miliiia  of  liiis  state,  on 
account  of  his  distinguished  gallantry  and  public  spirit  in  the  military 
service  of  his  country,  and  especially  during  the  lale  war  on  the  Nia- 
gara frontier,  therefore  resolved,  that  the  said  Brevet  be  confirmed,  and 
that  a  commission  be  issued  to  him  as  major-general  accordingly,  in 
the  militia  of  this  State. 

DEWITT  CLIN  TON,  Governor. 
{Signtd,) 

Stephen  Barncm, 
William  Ross,  k   tut    r 

Geo'-.ge  Rosecrantz,     >  •^«w»*<*"*. 
Stephen  Bates. 


—^p— ■■■qiy 


IM 


if 


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i   !• 

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i 

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irl 


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m'-'U 


if  I   I 


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"J. 


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.1; 


V» 


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Mr:*   •' 


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1   ■' 


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IJ 


i  iL- 


i 


APPENDIX 


i 


I 


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I  ; 


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I" 


if 


:;  "li  ^ 


b 


f 


The  annexed  Letters  and  General  Orders  will  show 
the  difficulties  General  Van  Rensselaer  had  to  contend 
with  ;  and  the  measures  he  pursued  to  meet  them  ;  his 
devotion  to  the  interests  of  the  service,  the  iifort  of  the 
troops,  and  the  honour  of  their  arms,  x  ne  Letters 
which  passed  after  the  battle  between  him  and  General 
Sheaffe,  rival  chiefs  as  they  were,  in  fame  and  in  cour- 
tesy, will  be  read  with  interest  and  profit. 


:'i^ 


APPENDIX,  No.  I. 


rs  will  show 

1  to  contend 

;t  them;  his 

11  fort  of  the 

A  ne  Letters 

and  General 

and  in  cour- 


1 

I 


Extract  from  Vv'ilkinson's  Memoirs,  Isl  vol.,  from  page  504  to  531. 
Major  Gen.  Dearborn  had  been  placed  in  the  command 
of  the  Northern  frontier  early  hi  1812,  with  views  to  the  in- 
vasion of  Canada,  but  if  I  am  rightly  informed,  without  being 
furnished  with  any  plan,  general  or  particular,  or  any  indica- 
tion of  the  course  which  might  probably  be  pursued  for  the 
direction  of  liis  operations.  Lake  Champlain  presented  the 
great  military  highway  to  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  province, 
and  the  American  settlements  at  V  o  foot  of  that  lake  were 
remote  and  exposed;  the  general  therefore  judiciously  de- 
termined to  take  his  first  position  with  the  regular  recruits  in 
that  quarter;  but  in  the  progress  of  the  campaign,  the  mis- 
fortune at  Detroit  put  the  western  frontier  of  the  State  of 
New  York  in  danger,  and  in  defect  of  regular  troops,  the 
general  called  on  the  Governor  of  the  State  for  a  body  of 
militia.  This  gentleman  who  distinguished  himself  as  a 
supporter  of  the  war  did  not  hesftate  to  comply  with  the 
requisition  and  Major  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  was 
selected  for  the  command,  Tiie  motives  for  this  selection 
were  equivocal,  but  in  relation  to  the  public  service  it  was 
well  judged,  because  of  the  amiable  disposition,  the  elevated 
patriotism,  the  sound  discretion,  tiie  solid  judgment,  inflexible 
honour  and  firm  resolution  of  this  officer.  But  Gen.  Van 
Rensselaer  was  opposed  in  politics  to  Governor  Tompkins, 
and  had  differed  also  with  him  in  opinion  as  to  the  expediency 
of  the  war,  and  at  the  same  time  they  were  rival  candidates 
for  the  government  of  the  State.  In  the  spirit  of  the  times, 
when  almost  every  public  measure  is  regulated  by  hiterested 
intrigue ;  thg  suggestion  may  not  be  uncharitable,  that  this 


APPENDiX. 


hi '  t 


;;i 


^  h 


y'N 


»  'f 


!     • 


command  was  offered  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselner,  in  the  expec- 
tation that  ho  would  refuse  it,  anJ  that  his  refusal  would 
affect  his  popularity.  But  this  virtuous  citizen,  although  in 
possession  of  the  first  patrimonial  estate  in  Americ.,  and  in 
the  enjoyment  of  every  blessing  which  '^an  sweeten  domes- 
tic lifo,  notwithstanding  his  opposition  to  the  policy  of  the 
war,  was  too  sensible  of  the  obligation  which  he  owed  co  his 
country  and  its  govt  ^ment,  to  pause  a  moment  for  the  course 
he  should  pursue,  x  received  the  orders  of  Ger.  Dear- 
born, and  commenced  his  march  for  the  frontier,  accompa- 
nied by  Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  adjutant  general  of 
the  State  of  New  York,  of  whom  I  must  be  permitted  to  say 
a  few  words.  This  high-minded  citizen  soldier,  and  honour- 
able man,  made  his  noviciate  in  arms  under  my  orders  as  a 
Cornet  of  dragoons,  more  than  twenty  years  before,  and  at 
thai  tender  age  was  distinguished  for  his  coolnesa  and  intre- 
pidity in  action.  His  father  had  served  as  a  lieutenant  colo- 
nel in  the  revolutionary  war,  and  fought  and  bled  for  his 
country  in  the  affair  near  Fort  Ann,  againsi  the  9th  British  regi- 
ment of  Infantry,  in  1777 ;  he  had  transfused  his  spirit  an.^  pa- 
triotism into  his  son,  who  in  my  presence  during  the  campaign 
of  i794,  fo»'ght  with  sang  froid  and  bled  with  complacency. 
Rising  by  regular  promotion  to  a  troop,  he  was  particularly 
noticed  by  General  Washington,  and  raised  to  the  "ommand 
of  a  squadron;  but  he  was  among  the  disbanded  at  the 
reduction  of  louO;  and  after  that  period,  although  anxious 
for  a  military  appointment  to  which  he  would  have  done  hon- 
our, his  politics,  as  a  gv^od  federalia,,  opposed  an  insuperable 
bar  to  his  applications. 

On  reaching  Utina,  General  V.  n  Rensselaer  was  called 
to  Sacketts  Harbour,  by  a  rumour  of  the  movements  of  the 
enemy  in  that  quarter,  and  from  thence  after  a  short  halt  ho 
proceeded  to  Ogdensburgh,  v/here  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer 
projected  a  handsome  enterprize,  which  failed  through  the 
want  of  a  few  regular  troc  "s  ;  an  armed  vessel  of  the  enemy, 
ky  along  side  a  wharf  adjoining  the  British  magazines  at 


he  expec- 
lal  would 
though  in 
cf .,  and  in 
en  domes- 
icy  of  the 
wed  to  his 
the  course 
Jer.  Dear- 

accompa- 
gcneral  of 
Ited  to  say 
nd  honour- 
rders  as  a 
ore,  and  at 
5  and  intre- 
enant  colo- 
>led  for  his 
British  regi- 
uritan;^  pa- 
3  campaign 
ifiplacency. 
)articuldrly 
ommand 

ed   at   the 

gh  anxious 
done  hon- 

nsuparable 

was  called 
lents  of  the 
lort  halt  ho 
Rensselaer 
h rough  the 
the  enemy, 
igazinec  at 


AJL>P£NDIX.  6 

Prescott,  on  the  opposite  shore.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer 
proposed  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  men,  to  ascend  the 
St.  Lawrence  four  or  five  miles,  after  night,  cross  the  river, 
fall  down  under  the  Canada  shore,  take  possession  of  the 
buildings  and  carry  the  vessel,  boarding  her  by  land  and 
water  at  the  same  time.  Volunteers  fron.  tiie  militia,  turned 
for  ♦he  enterprize  at  evening  roll-call,  but  at  midnight  they 
had  changed  their  minds,  and  as  they  believed  there  existed 
no  competent  authority  to  order  them  beyond  the  limits  of 
the  state,  this  feasible  project  was  abandoned. 

From  Ogdensburgh,  General  Van  Rensselaer  returned  to 
the  southward  and  established  his  Head  Quarters  at  Lewiston, 
on  the  Strait  of  Niagara,  whilst  General  Smyth,  of  the  Con- 
tinental service,  was  ordered  to  take  post  in  the  vicinity  of 
Black  Rock  at  the  head  of  the  Strait.  This  association  was 
unfoiiunate,  as  the  latter  gentleman's  high  military  preten- 
sions, could  not  be  reconciled  to  the  command  of  a  militia 
general,  on  his  first  tour  of  duty,  however  respectable  as  a 
citizen;  and  it  is  presumed  tins  temper  produced  a  spirit  of 
insubordination,  repulsive  to  the  harmony  and  concert  which 
is  essential  to  cordial  co-operation,  and  that  the  public  ser- 
vice, was  sacrificed  to  personal  sensibility. 

The  campaign  glided  away  under  the  tardy  levy  of  rcgu- 
ular  troops,  and  the  dilatory  assembly  of  the  yeomanry; 
and  it  was  October  before  General  Van  Rensselaer  found 
himself  in  force  to  warrr*nt  of  offensive  operations.  It  ap- 
pears that  at  this  period,  his  solicitud'^  for  his  own  reputation 
and  more  especially  the  interests  of  the  service,  and  the 
lionour  of  the  country,  determined  him  to  strike  at  the  enemy. 
"Pursuant  to  this  object,  on  the  5th  of  October,  he,  by  letter, 
required  a  conference  with  Brigadier  General  Smyth,  and 
the  commanding  officers  of  corps  under  his  immediate 
orders.  He  addressed  Major  Gen.  Hall  to  the  same  effect ; 
and  after  these  preliminary  steps,  on  the  8th,  he  made 
the  tbilowing  interesting  communication  to  the  commander 

in  chiet! 

I* 


IP    f  ■' 

Kir 


6 


APPENDIX. 


^1 


Sir, — 


Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  Oct.  3ih,  1812. 


It  is  now  nearly  three  months  since,  in  obedience  to 
the  call  of  my  country,  I  took  the  field  to  form  and  discipline 
an  army,  and  to  shape  and  direct  a  campaign  on  the  very 
extensive  frontiers  of  this  state.  This  service,  even  in  pros- 
pect, presented  innumerable  difficulties  and  embarrassments. 
Thus  far  I  have  met  them  in  that  manner  which  my  own 
mind  justifies  and  I  trust  my  country  will  approve.  After  a 
general  review  of  our  frontiers,  my  own  judgment  did  not 
suffer  me  to  doubt  that  the  Niagara  river  must  be  the  scene 
of  our  decisive  operations,  and  I  selected  this  neighbourhood 
as  the  place  best  adapted  to  our  measures,  and  here  en- 
camped. 

Well  knowing  that  the  duties  of  the  station  you  hold  were 
complicated  and  embarrassing,  I  have  patiently  endured  much, 
that  the  affairs  of  my  department  might  embarrass  you  less. 
The  crisis  through  which  I  have  passed  for  the  last  month 
has  been  trying  indeed  ;  particulars  upon  this  occasson  are 
unnecessary;  but  the  result  has  justified  my  measures  and  I 
am  satisfied.  Yet  I  am  well  aware  that  any  merit  which 
may  be  attached  to  this  negative  service,  will  not  satisfy  the 
expectations  of  my  country  :  to  have  barely  escaped  disas- 
ter, will  not  be  thought  enough ;  the  object  of  the  war  re- 
mains unaccomplished,  a  new  crisis  is  opening,  and  as  in  it, 
you,  sir,  as  well  as  I,  have  a  deep  stake  of  responsibility,  I 
shall  with  great  freedom,  state  to  you  a  number  of  facts, 
submitting  my  opinions  connected  with  them,  and  with  defer- 
ence  leave  the  general  conclusion  to  your  own  judgment; 
and  as  the  honour  and  interests  of  the  United  States,  your 
own  character  and  mine,  are  most  intimately  connected  in 
the  subject  of  deliberation,  I  hope  and  trust  it  may  receive 
all  the  attention  which  its  importance  merits. 

The  United  States  declared  the  war.     One  army  has  sur- 
rendered in  disgrace,  and  another  has  but  little  more  than 


APPENDIX. 


,  3ih,  1812. 

bedience  to 

nd  discipline 

on  the  very  j 

!ven  in  pros- 

arrassments. 

licb  my  own  | 
)ve.  After  a 
incnt  did  not 
be  the  scene 
eighbourhood 
and  here  en- 

you  hold  were 
endured  much, 
rrass  you  less, 
he  last  month 

occasson  are 
ncasures  and  1 
ly  merit  which 

not  satisfy  the 
escaped  disas- 
of  the  war  re- 
(T,  and  as  in  it, 

•    •  T 

•csponsibility,  1 
lumber  of  facts, 
and  with  defer- 
own  judgment; 
ed  States,  your 
ly  connected  in 
;  it  may  receive 

e  army  has  sur- 
little  more  than 


escaped  the  reiteration  of  the  blow.  The  National  charac- 
ter is  degraded,  and  the  disgrace  will  remain  corroding  the 
public  feeling  and  spirit,  until  another  campaign;  unless  it  be 
instantly  wiped  away  by  a  brilliant  close  of  this. — A  detail 
of  particulars  is  needless  ;  you,  sir,  know  service.  Our  best 
troops  are  raw ;  many  of  them  dejected  by  the  distress  their 
families  suffer  by  thoir  absence,  and  many  have  not  necessary 
clothing :  we  are  in  a  cold  country,  the  season  is  far  ad- 
vanced, and  unusually  incicment;  we  are  half  the  time 
deluged  with  rain.  The  blow  must  be  siruck  soon,  or  all 
the  toil  and  expense  of  the  campaign  go  for  nothing  or  worse 
than  nothing,  for  the  whole  will  be  tinged  with  dishonour. 
With  my  present  force,  it  would  be  rash  to  attempt  offensive 
operations.  I  have  only  sev3nteen  hundred  effective  men* 
of  the  militia  on  this  whole  line.  The  regular  troops  have 
nearly  all  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  Buffalo,  except  Schuy- 
ler's regiment.  The  batteaux  have  not  arrived  and  I  learn 
they  very  narrowly  escaped  the  Royal  George,  at  the  mouth 
of  Genesee  river,  where  she  had  just  cut  out  the  schooner 
Lady  Murray,  and  a  Revenue  "^utter.  But  two  or  three 
companies  of  the  Pennsylvania  tro<,i[)S  had  arrived  at  Buffalo, 
when  I  received  my  last  advice  from  thence. 

Under  these  circumstances  and  the  impressi'^ns  necesssnly 
resulting  from  them,  I  am  adopting  decisive  measures  for 
closing  the  fall  campaign;  but  shall  wait  your  approbation 
of  the  plan,  and  the  arrival  of  a  competent  force  to  xccute 
it.  I  have  summoned  Major  Gen.  Hall,  Brig.  Gen.  Smyth, 
and  the  commandants  of  the  United  States  Regiments,  to 
meet  me  on  a  consultatioii ;  and  I  am  well  aware  that  °^nie 
opinions  entitled  to  great  respect,  will  be  offered  for  crossing 
the  Niagara  a  little  below  Fort  Erie,  and  pursuing  the  march 
down  the  river.  I  think  this  plan  liable  to  many  objections. 
The  enemy  have  works  at  almost  every  point,  and  even  an 

*  His  reinforcements  had  not  then  arrived, 


I( 


6 


APPENDIX. 


I    'A 


Ml'  ■. 


:  -r 


U. 


!M 


inferior  force  might  hold  us  in  check  and  render  our  march 
slow ;  by  taking  up  the  bridges  at  Chippewa,  they  might 
greatly  embarrass  us ;  the  cleared  country  is  but  a  mile  or 
two  wide ;  one  flank  would  be  constantly  liable  to  be  galled 
by  Indians  from  the  swamps ;  for  a  considerable  distance, 
the  rapidity  of  the  current,  and  the  height  of  the  banks  ren- 
der transportation  across  the  river  impracticable ;  of  course, 
our  supplies  must  follow  the  line  of  march,  with  the  trouble 
and  hazard  of  them  every  day  increasing ;  and  should  the 
enemy  retreat  from  Gen.  Harrison,  they  would  have  a  dou- 
ble object  in  intercepting  our  supplies ;  and  by  falling  on  o  u- 
rear,  and  cutting  off  our  communication,  we  might  expe- 
rience the  fate  of  Hull's  army.  Besides  these,  and  many 
other  objections,  there  is  no  object  on  that  side,  until  we 
should  arrive  at  the  commanding  heights  of  Queenstown, 
which  are  opposite  my  camp. 

The  proposal  which  I  shall  submit  to  the  Council  will  be, 
that  we  immediately  concentrate  the  regular  force  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Niagara  and  the  militia  here,  make  the 
best  possible  dispositions,  and,  at  the  same  time,  the  regulars 
shall  pass  fro7n  the  Four-mile  Creek  to  a  point  in  the  rear 
of  the  works  of  Fort  George,  and  take  it  hy  storm  ;  I  will 
pass  the  river  here,  and  carry  the  heights  of  Queenstotvn. 
Should  we  succeed,  we  shall  effect  a  great  discomfiture  of 
the  enemy  bv  breaking  their  line  of  communication,  driving 
their  shippin^^  from  the  mouth  of  this  river,  leaving  them  no 
rallying  point  in  this  part  of  the  country,  aj)palling  the 
minds  of  the  Canadians,  and  opening  a  wide  and  safe  com- 
munication for  our  supplies.  We  shall  save  our  own  land — 
wipe  away  part  of  the  score  of  our  past  disgrace,  get  excel- 
lent barracks  and  winter-quarters,  and  at  least  be  prepared 
for  an  early  campaign  another  year.  As  soon  as  the  result 
of  the  Council  shall  be  known,  I  shall  advise  you  of  it.  I 
have  received  your  letter  of  the  29th  ultimo,  and  shall  ac- 
quaint Mr.   Harrison   with   your  direction.     I  regret  the 


I 


i 


APPENDIX. 


9 


)ur  march 
[ley  might 

a  mile  or 
»  be  galled 
i  distance, 
banks  ren- 

of  course, 
the  trouble 

should  the 
ave  a  dou- 
ling  on  c  u- 
light  expe- 

and  many 
e,  until  we 
tueenstown, 

icil  will  be, 
brco  in  the 
,  make  the 
he  regulars 
in  the  rear 
win ;  I  will 
2ucenstotvn. 
comfiture  of 
tion,  drivhig 
ing  them  no 
ipalling  the 
id  safe  corn- 
own  land — 
s,  get  excel- 
be  prepared 
IS  the  result 
'ou  of  it.     I 
md  shall  ac- 
regret  the 


slowness  of  the  mail.    I  have  furnished  an  escort  for  it  from 
this  to  Buffalo. 

With  great  respect  and  consideration,  &c. 

Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

Hon.  Major  Gen.  Dearborn. 

From  this  letter,  it  will  appear  to  any  professional  man 
acquainted  with  the  country,  and  the  circumstances  of  the 
enemy  at  that  time,  that,  although  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer 
was  not  a  military  man,  he  reasons  very  much  like  a  sol- 
dier; his  point  of  attack  was  selected  with  masterly  judg- 
ment, because,  from  its  apparent  difficulty  it  was  least  sus- 
pected, when,  in  fact,  the  counter  currents  under  the  oppo- 
site shores,  and  the  nariowness  of  the  river,*  rendered  it  the 
preferable  traverse;  and  as  to  the  plan  of  the  enterprize 
which  he  had  finally  i*\  ermined  on,  it  was  so  simple  and 
so  perfect,  that  an  act  of  God  alone  could  have  prevented 
the  success,  whic^  would  have  reflected  honour  on  a  master 
of  the  trade. 

If  the  reader  will  cast  his  eyes  over  the  annexed  map, 
he  will  perceive  General  Van  Rensselaer's  camp  at  Lew- 
iston,  (B)  from  whenc;  a  road  (mm)  has  been  cut  by 
his  order,  six  miles  through  a  wood,  to  (N),  at  Four-mile 
Creek,  where  sixty  batteaux  lay  equipped  for  service ;  from 
whence  it  is  four  and  a  half  miles  by  water  to  Fort  George, 
under  a  high  bank,  which  conceals  the  movement  until  the 
boats  turn  the  point  of  Niagara.  The  ground  is  so  much 
elevated  at  Lewiston  and  Queenstown,  that,  it  may  be  called 
a  mountain;  it  is  an  immense  platform  which  overlooks  the 
plaia  below,  until  it  is  terminated  by  Lake  Ontario.  Of 
consequence,  every  movement  from  Fort  George  would  have 
been  under  the  General's  eye,  as  well  at  that  of  the  officer 
at  Fort  Niagara.  It  was  General  Van  Rensselaer's  inten- 
tion, to  have  marched  General  Smyth  and  one  thousand 

^  Tluce  hundred  and  fifty  yards  wide. 


p 


10 


APPENDIX. 


»iV 


Ml 


five  hundred  regular  troops,   to  the  mouth  of  the  Four-mile 
Creek,  by  the  new  road  (mm,)  cut  for  the  purpose,  there  to 
have  been  held  in  readiness  to  embark  at  a  minute's  notice. 
Queenstown  was  then  to  be  attacked ;  and  as  it  was  guarded 
by  two  companies  of  the  49th  regiment,  with  a  party  of  mi- 
litia and  Indians  only,  it  would  have  been  carried  with  the 
battery  on  the  heights,    as  afterwards   happened.     These 
operations,  within  hearing  of  Fort  George,  couid  not  fail  to 
draw  forth  the  garrison  to  sustain  the  post  of  Queenstown, 
and  repel  the  invaders ;  and,  as  soon  as  the  British  column 
was  dipcovered  in  motion,  General  Smyth  would  have  em- 
bai  ea  by  a  signal,  and  when  it  approached  Queenstown  he 
would  have  been  ordered  by  a  courier,  to  proceed  to  the  at- 
tack of  Fort  George,  which  could  not  have  been  anticipated 
more  than  twenty  minutes,  and  bemg  deprived  of  its  garri- 
son, resistance  would  have  been  vain.     In  the  spirit  of  these 
memoirs  I  shall  forbear  to  condemn,  except  when  urged  by 
facts.     That  so  feasible  a  plan,  and  one  of  such  importance 
to  the  national  honour  and  interests  should  have  failed  was 
to  be  deplored,  and  the  occasion  certainly  presented  a  fair 
subject  for  inquiry;  because  it  could  not  have  happened 
without  some   fault,    which,    for   the   good  of  the  service, 
should  have   been    ascertained,  especially   when    General 
Van  Rensselaer  defied  investigation;  but  the  crooked  po- 
licy of  a  corrupt  cabinet  will  not  bear  inquiry,  except  when 
it  is  deemed  necessary  to  hunt  down  obnoxious  individuals. 

Disappointed  by  causes  he  could  not  control,  in  the  medi- 
tated attack  on  the  11th  of  October,  to  which  the  impatience 
of  the  militia  had  compelled  him  to  assent,  before  his  mea- 
sures were  matured ;  and  not  having  heard  from  Brigadier 
General  Smyth  on  the  1 1th,  in  answer  to  his  note  of  the  5th ; 
General  Van  Rensselar  hoped  the  temper  of  the  troops 
would  allow  him  time  to  repeat  his  summons  for  a  consulta- 
tion with  the  most  experienced  of  his  officers  who  lay  near 
Buffalo,  with  the  intention  to  carry  into  effect  his  original 
design;  but  the  ardour  of  those  under  his  immediate  orders, 


APPENDIX. 


11 


i^our-mile 
,  there  to 
's  notice. 
5  guarded 
•ty  of  mi- 
l  with  the 
.     These 
not  fail  to 
eenstown, 
sh  column 
have  cm- 
nstown  ho 
to  the  at- 
inticipated 
its  garri- 
rit  of  these 
1  urged  by 
mportance 
failed  was 
ited  a  fair 
happened 
le  service, 
General 
ooked  po- 
cept  when 
ividuals. 
the  medi- 
im  patience 
e  his  mea- 
Brigadier 
Df  the  5th ; 
the  troops 
I  consulta- 
0  lay  near 
is  original 
,te  orders, 


4 


had  been  heated  by  disappointment,  and  numbers  now  pro- 
posed to  him  the  alternative,  of  marching  against  the  enemy ^ 
or  marching  home.  In  such  a  dilemma  he  could  not  hesi- 
tate, and  on  consulting  the  principal  officers  of  his  camp, 
and  finding  them  earnest  for  an  immediate  attack,  he  deter- 
mined to  carry  the  works  of  the  enemy  on  the  morning  of 
the  13th,  before  day  ;  having  the  evening  before  received  a 
reinforcement  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  regular  recruits 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Christie,  who  volunteered  his 
services. 

No  fault  can  be  founi  with  the  plan  of  attack,  except  in 
the  deficiency  of  transports,  which,  consisting  of  thirteen  bat- 
teaux,  limited  the  assaulting  party  to  three  hundred  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates,  and  tiiis  defect  is  ascribed 
to  the  deficiencies  of  competent  means  in  the  quarter-mas- 
ter's department.  The  embarkation  was  to  have  taken 
place  on  the  morning  of  the  13tli,  before  day,  in  the  follow- 
ing order,  viz.  Col.  S.  Van  Rensselaer  with  three  hundred 
militia,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie,  with  three  hundred  Regulars; 
the  whole  to  be  commanded  by  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer ; 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Fenwick  and  Major  Mullany,  were  to 
follow  with  five  hundred  and  fifly  regular  troops,  and 
some  pieces  of  flying  artillery,  and  then  the  militia,  accord- 
ing to  order.  The  attacking  party  was  formed  in  good 
time,  and  marched  off  by  files  abreast,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie 
leading  the  regulars,  and  Major  Morrison  the  militia.  When 
he  arrived  at  the  bank  of  the  river,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer 
halted  the  detachment,  and  descended  with  Major  Lush  and 
Lieut.  Gansevoort,  who  acted  as  his  aids,  to  see  the  boats 
arranged,  and  formed  in  two  divisions,  one  for  the  regulars, 
and  the  other  for  the  militia ;  as  it  was  intended  their  em- 
barkation should  be  simultaneous,  as  far  as  the  crafl  would 
suffice  to  receive  them :  but,  in  descending  the  bank  by  a 
narrow  path,  which  had  been  dug  out  of  it,  the  regular 
troops  got  possession  of  it,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  militia ; 
and  the  necessity  occurred  of  countermarching  a  part  of  the 


ii 


If'i 


rw 


I) 


r 


{It 


'  I  ii. 


f   •' 


■i  w^ 


\m 


'    !  [|  » 
X     •! 


'      J '. 


'I 


»  1 


U 


jtPPENDIX. 


regulars,  or  embarking  the  whole,  hi  the  first  instance ;  and 
to  save  time,  the  latter  plan  was  adopted,  and  Major  Morri- 
son ordered  to  follow  with  the  militia  in  the  return  boats. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  had  examined  the  bearings  of  the 
enemy's  heavy  battery,  on  the  mountain  at  (c,)*  and  that  of 
one  gun  below  Qucenstown,  at  (L),  and  perceived  that  by 
by  crossing  the  river  near  the  gorge  of  the  mountain,  he 
should  in  a  great  measure  escape  the  range  of  their  shot;  he 
accordingly  made  his  traverse  at  (o),  and  landed  on  a  nar 
row  beach,  under  a  steep  bank  of  forty  feet  elevation ;  but, 
unfortunately,  three  of  the  boats  which  put  off  with  him, 
bearing  Lieutenant  Colonel  Christie.f  Captain  Lawrence, 
and  a  subaltern  whose  name  is  not  known,  returned  without 
the  orders  of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  carried  back  seventy- 
five  of  the  detachment,  which  too  sensibly  impaired  his 
force ;  but  the  retreat  of  this  parti/  produced  a  most  perni- 
cious effect  on  the  militia,  particularly  as  it  made  no  im- 
mediate attempt  to  effect  a  passage.  The  natural  reflec- 
tion produced  by  this  spectacle  in  the  minds  of  the  yeo- 
manry was,  "  If  the  regular  troops  cannot  cross  the  river, 
surely  it  cannot  be  expected  of  us."  Thousands  of  specta- 
tors were  looking  on,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  in- 
cident staggered  their  resolution. 

The  narrowness  of  the  river,  without  the  agency  of  spies, 
would  necessarily  warn  the  enemy  of  the  movement ;  and 
they  were  prepared  for  Van  Rensselaer's  reception.  Their 
force  at  Queenstown,  when  the  attack  was  made,  consisted  of 
two  companies  of  the  49th  regiment,  I  suppose  one  hundred 
and  sixty  men,  with  a  party  of  militia,  and  a  few  Indians,  who 
resisted  their  landing.  They  ascertained  Van  Rensselaer's 
approach  by  the  sound  of  his  oars,  and  opened  their  fire  from 

*  See  the  Map. 

t  Col.  Christie  Avhose  high  standing  as  an  officer  placed  his  courage 
above  suspicion  is  no  more ;  but  Capt.  Lawrence,  who  lives,  and  is 
second  to  no  officer  of  his  grade,  alleges,  I  understand,  that  he  retreated 
by  order  of  Col.  Christie.  At  all  events,  no  satisfactory  reason  has 
been  given  for  the  boats  not  proceeding. 


APPENDIX. 


13 


tance 


and 


a'or  Morri- 
n  boats, 
ings  of  the 
and  that  of 
fed  that  by 
lountain,  he 
eir  shot ;  he 
id  on  a  nar 
k'ation;  but, 
f  with  him, 
Lawrence, 
•ncd  without 
ick  soventy- 
ntipaired    his 
most  pemi- 
aade  no  im- 
itural  reflec- 
of  the  yeo- 
;s  the  river, 
3s  of  specta- 
;  that  the  in- 

icy  of  spies, 
^ement;  and 
ion.  Their 
consisted  of 
one  hundred 
ndians,  who 
lensselaer's 
eir  fire  from 


3d  his  courage 

lives,  and  is 

it  he  retreated 

ry  reason  has 


I 


i 


the  top  of  the  bank,  as  soon  as  they  could  discern  his  move- 
ments, hy  wiiicli  Lit'Ut.  Rathbcuiu  was  mortally  wounded  on 
board  ofCol.  Van  lleiissclaer's  boat.  Tlic  kmdinnf  wascrtectcd 
witb  t  wo  luuulrcd  and  twenty-five  men, wlio  formed  under  a  very 
w.inn  fire,  clJMibcd  the  baidi,  and  routed  the  enemy  at  the  point 
uf  the  bayonet,  without  firin^u  a  shot;  but  in  this  operation  En- 
sigji  Morris  was  killed,  and  Capts.  Malcolm,  Armstrong,  and 
Wool  were  wounded ;  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  himself  was  pe- 
culiarly unfortunate,  and,  to  the  accident  which  bcfel  him, 
the  day's  disaster  may  be  j)artly  attributed;  he  received  one 
ball  in  his  hip,  which  passed  out  at  his  spine,  two  in  his 
thigh,  one  of  which  lodged,  two  in  his  leg,  and  a  sixth  con-' 
tuscd  his  heel  ;  he  however  kept  his  feet,  and  the  enemy 
having  fled  towards  the  town,  ho  ordered  Capt.  Wool,  the 
senior  olficcr  capable  of  duty,  to  ascend  the  mountain  and 
carry  the  battery;  giving  him  a  direction  for  his  movement, 
by  which  ho  would  avoid  the  enemy's  artillery;  placing 
Lieuts.  Randolph  and  Gansevoort,  who  volunteered,  at  the 
head  of  the  little  column,  and  Major  Lush,  another  volunteer, 
in  the  rear,  with  order  to  put  to  death  the  first  man  who 
should  fall  back.  During  this  time,  he  had  concealed  his 
wounds  under  a  great  coat  borrowed  from  Major  Lush ;  and 
when  the  party  had  filed  off"  before  him,  no  longer  able  to 
support  himself,  he  fell  to  the  ground.  It  was  just  then  clear 
day-light,  and  he  found  himself  among  the  wounded,  the 
dying,  and  the  dead.  A  crust  of  bread,  and  some  water, 
furnished  by  one  of  the  former,  prevented  him  from  fainting. 
The  anguish  resulting  from  his  wounds,  and  every  selfish 
feeling,  was  silenced  by  the  contemplation  of  his  wounded 
companions;  but  even  tlicso  lost  much  of  their  interest,  when 
put  in  competition  with  his  anxiety  for  tlie  safety  anc'  suc- 
cess of  the  gallant  detachment  he  had  ordered  to  the  heights. 
It  pleased,  however  the  great  Disposer  of  events,  that  this 
anxiety  should  be  sliort-livcd ;  and  for  the  blood  ho  had  thus 
spilled  in  his  countrys  cause,  he  was  remunerated  by  the 
consoling  shouts  of  victory.     I  had  marked  the  patriot  sol- 


r*  > 


u    1 


'     rn 


t4 


APPENDIX. 


dier  some  eighteen  years  before,  when  "  the  callow  down 
had  scarce  begun  to  shade  his  cheek,  and  call  him  man," 
giving  earnest  of  future  promise,  and  asserting  claims  to  fu- 
ture tame;  I  beheld  him  in  a  gallant  charge  at  tin;  head 
of  his  troop,  shot  through  the  body  and  with  the  blood  oozing 
from  his  lungs,  still  smiling  with  complacency;  yet  since  the 
days  of  General  Washington,  nor  the  blood  of  the  father, 
nor  the  son  has  found  grace  in  the  eyes  of  the  executive; 
and  amidsi  thousands  of  ofUces  which  have  been  indiscrimi- 
nately lavished  on  the  worthy  and  the  worthless,  this  faithful 
citizen  and  honourable  man  has  not  been  deemed  worthy  of 
attention. 

The  sequel  of  the  affair  of  Queenstown,  about  which  we 
have  heard  almost  as  much  misrepresentation  and  folly  as 
about  the  battle  of  Brid^ewater,  will  be  best  described  by 
an  extract  from  the  official  letter  of  General  Van  Rensselaer;* 
and  the  following  report  of  Capt.  Wool  will  put  to  rest  seve- 
ral controverted  points. 


IN  If 


i 


ii  .  m 


I-  , 


Jfi 


Buffalo,  Oct.  23,  1812. 
Dear  Sir, — 

I  have  the  honour  to  communicate  to  you  the  circum- 
stances attending  the  storming  of  Queenstown  battery  on  the 
13th  instant;  with  those  which  happened  previously, you  are 
already  well  acquainted. 

In  pursuance  of  your  order  we  proceeded  round  the  point, 
and  ascended  the  rocks,  which  brought  us  partly  in  rear  of 
the  battery.  We  took  it  without  much  resistance.  I  imme- 
diately formed  the  troops  in  the  rear  of  the  battery,  and  front- 
ing the  village,  when  I  obsreved  Gen.  Brock  with  his  troops 
formed,  consisting  of  four  conjpanies  of  the  49'h  Regiment 
and  a  few  Militia,  marching  for  our  left  flank.  I  immedi- 
ately detached  a  party  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  take 
possession  of  the  heights  above  Queenstown  battery  and  to 

♦  See  Appendix,  No.  2. 


APPENDIX. 


15 


iw  down 
n  man,' 
ins  to  fu- 
Lh«;  head 
)d  oozing 
since  t\ic 
10  father, 
xccutive ; 
ndiscrimi- 
lis  faithful 
worthy  of 

which  we 
nd  folly  as 
jscribcd  by 
enssclaer;* 
:)  rest  seve- 


t.  23,  1812. 

the  circum- 
ttcry  on  the 
isly,  you  are 

nd  the  point, 
ly  in  rear  of 
1  imme- 
■y,  and  front- 
ith  his  troops 
;h  Regiment 
I  immedi- 
mcn,  to  take 
attery  and  to 


hold  Gen.  Brock  in  check,  but  in  consequence  of  his  supe- 
rior force  tht:y  retreated.  I  sent  a  reinforcement,  notwith- 
standin<,'  whicli,  the  enemy  drove  us  to  the  edge  of  the  bank, 
when  with  the  greatest  exertion  we  brouglit  the  troops,  to  a 
stand,  and  ordered  the  officers  to  bring  their  meii  to  a  charge 
as  soon  as  the  ammunition  was  ex|)end(;d,  whieii  was  execu- 
ted with  some  confusion,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  the  enemy 
retreated.  We  pursued  them  to  the  edge  of  the  heights, 
when  Col.  Mc.  Donald  iiad  his  horse  shot  from  under  him, 
and  himself  mortally  wounded.  In  the  mean  time  Gen. 
Brock,  in  attempting  to  rally  his  forces,  was  killed,  when 
the  enemy  dispersed  in  every  direction.  As  soon  as  it  was 
practicable,  I  formed  tin  troops  in  a  line  on  the  heights 
fronting  the  village,  and  immediately  detached  flanking  par- 
ties which  consisted  of  Captain  M'Chesney  of  the  (ith  Re- 
giment, Lieut.  Smith  and  Ensign  Grosvcnor  with  a  small 
detachment  of  Riflemen  which  had  that  moment  arrived; 
at  the  same  time  I  ordered  Lieut.  Ganscvoort  and  Lieut. 
Randolph  with  a  detachment  of  artillery  to  drill  out  an 
eighteen  pounder  which  had  been  previously  spiked,  and  if 
possible  to  bring  it  to  bear  upon  the  village.  The  wounded 
and  prisoners  I  ordered  to  be  collected  and  sent  to  the  guard 
house.  About  this  time,  which  was  between  three  and  four 
o'clock  in  the  afl;ernoon,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  arrived  and 
took  the  command.  He  ordered  me  across  the  river  to  get 
my  wounds  dressed.  I  remained  a  short  time.  Our  flank- 
ing parties  had  been  driven  in  by  the  Indians,  but  Gen. 
Wadsworth  and  other  officers  arriving,  we  had  a  short  skir- 
misli  with  them  and  they  retreated,  and  I  crossed  the  river. 
The  officers  engaged  in  storming  the  Battery,  were  Capts. 
Wool  and  Ogilvie;  Lieuts.  Kearney,  Hugonin,  Carr,  and 
Sammons  of  the  I3th  ;  Lieuts.  Gansevoort  and  Randolph  of 
the  Light  Artillery,  and  Major  Lush  of  the  Militia.  I  re- 
commend to  your  particular  notice  Lieuts.  Randolph,  Carr, 


.  I  :m 


I  i 


•ii 


II  f^ii !  'ill 


:  '  M^\ 


\   V 


■i  .1 


16 


APPENDIX. 


,     ,Ueir  brave  conduct  exhibited  during  tbc 
and  Kearney,  for  their  biav 
whole  of  the  action. 

John  E.  Wool, 
Col.  Solomon  Van  Rens-U". 

Rensselaer  on  this  h^jl'ly^/JJ^g  obstacles  almost  insu- 
on  the  scroll  of  fame,  for  "^;^/„„e„y,  under  a  heavy 
perable,  in  the  face  of  a  '!«"';        -.^J  force,  composed 

fi,e,  and  '^-'"'^'^^^"^JlZi-^^Ac^ruout.  advantage. 
oft»oCompan>e3ofthe4Jtn  ^^^  ,„j,„„,. 

ously  posted,  with  a  body  of  auxd  ay  ^^^^^^^^   ,„ 

U  was  indeed  a  ^i^P  "X  "f '"J;;^  ^^,,  ,^„,„y  consp.eu- 
which  the  conduct  and  the  execuuon        ^^^^^^^    ^^^   ^,,,„  , 

ou,.      Here   true  ^  ""■  ^^  °L  to  the  bayonet,  «i^.<-U 
courage,'  was  attested  by  an  app.  _^_^^  ^^  f^,.^„„en 

decided  the  conflict  wthout  a  sho-    ^^_^  ^_^^^_^^_^.^,^ 

that  two  hundred  and  '"''"'y  ^    .,^,,_  ^^d  the  reader  wdl 
„,  hundred  were  '"'-^^  J^^^*    exception  of  Col.  Van 
bear  in  mind,  that  «''V*U"tary  combat  inwhich  e.ther 
Rensselaer,  it  was  ^^^^^^^l^^^   Under  nil  the  circnm- 
„en  or  officers  had  ^^f"  J"  J        „tion  the  impartial  sol- 
stances,  and  on  *--':;'^rJ„e  this  brilliant  affair  the 
dier  and  competent  judge,  win 
chef-d'cBUvreofthe  war. 

•  ,  trmerity  is  too  often  t«kcn  for  U»vc.y, 
,  ,„  ,!,e  American  =»"»«■  fJ/^'J  „ij„  „s  between  blindness  and 
„etthcdis,i.clion  '=«'7  "''" '^^^  „„,  seen  to  court  danger  m  Ac 
Un.     Marshal  Sa^j''-    ,rr      at  the  siege  of  BeO.une  ,n  V^ 
battle  of  Malplaquet,  and  »" "»  ^|„  „.,bc  of  eourl.ers.     1  Ins 

ders,  for  «bieb  he  v,as  ^^  '" J^  ^  '^.h^iesomc  adn.onitions:      La 
^-  ''°^":::rXVa;ronr,;o„s  ne  deve.  pas  les  confonde 
rreol   -rnes^eprendrontpa. 


APPENDIX. 


17 


rinrr  tho 


fnntry. 


Col.  Van 
;  engraved 
Imost  insvi- 
cr  a  heavy 
.,  composed 
advantagc- 
nd  Indians: 
jxhibiled,  in 
ly  conspicu- 
for    anin 


I 


ronet,   w'j-i^^' 
bu  forgotten 

iplished  w\mt 
;  reader  wiU 
of  Col.  Van 
'whicli  either 
II  the  circum- 
impartial  sol- 

liant  affair  the 


akcn  for  bravery, 
jecn  blindness  and 
ourt  danger  in  the 
fBelhune  in  Fbn- 
f  courtiers, 
xdmonilions 
pas  les  confondc 


This 
"La 


Yet  WO  heard  of  no  mark  of  distinction,  no  honorary  pro- 
motions on  tlie  occasion;  th«j  elHcacy  of  Brevets  had  not 
then  Ixjcn  discovered,  lor  had  it  become  necessary  to  cover 
the  disgrace  of  the  cabinet,  by  raising  up  idols  for  the  adora- 
tion of  the  people;  but  if  tho  executive  could  for  a  moment 
have  forgotten  that  Gon.  V^an  Rensselaer  was  a  federalist, 
and  opposed  to  Gov.  Tompkins  as  a  candidate  for  the  go- 
vernment of  the  State  of  New- York,  his  reluctance  to  render 
common  justice  to  the  principal  actors  in  this  gallant  scene, 
would  have  been  counteracted  by  the  self-evident  policy  of 
exhibiting  it  to  the  country  in  its  true  light — by  contrasting 
it  with  the  melancholy  tale  of  Detroit,  thus  dissipating  the 
gloom  that  hung  over  tho  soldiery  and  the  country,  and 
shewing  them  what  deeds  Americans  were  capable  of  per- 
forming. It  is  true  complete  success  did  not  ultimately 
crown  this  enterprize;  but  two  great  ends  were  obtained  for 
the  country — It  re-established  the  character  of  the  Ameri- 
can Army,  and  deprived  tho  enemy  by  the  death  of  Gen. 
Brock,  of  the  best  ofHcer  that  has  headed  their  troops  in 
Canada  throughout  the  war,  and  with  his  loss  put  an  end  to 
their  then  brilliant  career. 

I  proceed  to  discharge  a  pleasing  office  by  stating  that 
the  officers  who  accompanied  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  were 
Major  of  Brigade,  Lush  of  the  militia,  Lieuts.  Randolph  and 
GjiD'^evoort,  volunteers  from  the  light  artillery;  Lieut. 
Rathbono  of  the  heavy  artillery ;  Capts.  Malcolm,  Wool, 
Armstrong,  Ogilvie,  and  Lieuts.  Kearney,  Sarnmons,  Carr, 
and  Hugonin,  and  Ensign  Morris  of  tho  13th  Infantry  of 
whom  two  were  killed  and  four  wounded.  The  conspicuous 
gallantry  of  Lieut.  Randolph  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
enemy,  and  excited  the  admiration  of  his  brethren  in  arms. 

Things  turned  cut  exactly  as  Gon.  Van  Rensselaer  had 
anticipated;  Gen.  Sheaffe,  who  succeeded  to  the  command, 
on  finding  that  the  force  at  Queenstown  had  been  routed  and 
Gen.  Brock  killed,  stripped  Fort  George  of  its  garrison,  and 
leaving  it  in  charge  of  the  ordinary  guard,  marched  against 


18 


APPENDIX. 


I'  jfei 


4 


f 


I 


I 


H' 


i!}i- 


I        I 


i  !' 


.<  »: 


I  p    li' 


!'•   '  i:!i|t 


in 


'iji    I*. 


I 


'I  !  ' 


i     !::: 


the  invaders;  and  if  a  great  part  of  the  miUtia  had  not  vio- 
lated their  promise,  and  aiiandoncd  their  duty  he  might  have 
been  cruslicd  in  fifteen  minutes,  and  the  peninsula  would 
have  faiien  into  our  hands.  In  this  state  of  things  an  expe- 
rienced officer,  on  seeing  Sheaffe  advance  and  file  off  from 
the  direct  route  towards  St.  Davj.ds  by  (q,qq*)  in  order  to 
avoid  a  conflict  in  ascending  the  mountain,  would  have  met 
him  at  that  point  where  he  could  have  been  repulsed  with 
half  numbers;  or  having  made  the  previous  arrangement 
with  his  officers  for  the  coup  as  soon  as  Sheaife  had  reached 
St.  Davids,  he  would  have  precipitated  himself  upon  Fort 
George  by  the  direct  road  and  leaving  the  enemy  four  or 
five  miles  in  his  rear  could  have  taken  the  place  before  they 
could  have  succoured  it,  and  turned  their  own  guns  upon  tiicm. 
A  single  reflection  would  have  justified  the  attempt — without 
retreat,  the  American  detachment  could  not  avoid  an  action, 
and  by  the  abandonment  of  the  militia  were  exposed  to  de- 
feat, from  which  the  capture  of  Fort  George  alone  could 
save  them.  If  they  had  failed  in  the  attempt  their  misfor- 
tunes would  not  have  been  increased  ;  but  the  chance  was  in 
their  favour. — They  might  gain  much,  and  could  lose  little. 
By  some  persons,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  was  censured  for 
his  conduct  on  this  occasion ;  but  ti.is  was  more  the  effect  of 
party  animosity,  than  any  just  ground  of  condemnation.  In 
entering  upon  his  command  when  a  rival  of  the  Governor 
of  the  staie  for  a  succession  to  the  government,  he  evinced 
his  disinterested  patriotism,  and  exposed  himself  to  great 
hazard  in  point  of  reputation;  for  it  is  a  fair  presumption, 
that  it  was  not  Gov.  Tompkins'  intention  by  the  selection  to 
strengthen  the  interests  of  his  opponent,  as  this  gentleman, 
with  a  thousand  amiable  and  generous  qualities,  could  not  be 
expected  to  commit  political  suicide.  Advocate  as  I  am  for 
the  yeomanry  of  my  country,  I  can  find  no  excuse  for  the 
conduct  of  the  militia  on  that  occasion.     By  imperiously  de- 

*  See  Map. 


APPENDIX. 


10 


manding  the  attack  on  Qucenstown,  they  virtually  pledged 
themselves  to  support  it.  The  attack  was  made,  but  their 
pledge  remained  unredeemed ;  it  is  in  vain  that  we  search 
for  the  cause. 

The  army  on  the  Straits  of  Niagara  could  have  been  as- 
sembled for  offence  only  :  therefore,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer, 
in  making  the  attack,  fulfilled  the  obligations  of  duty,  and 
the  views  of  government.  The  adjoining  return,*  taken 
from  the  official  documents,  will  show  that  his  force  was 
more  than  sufficient  for  the  occasion ;  and  if  blameable  at 
all,  it  was  in  yielding  to  the  alternative  presented  to  him  by  his 
fellow-citizens  and  fellow-soldiers,  before  liis  preparations 
satisiiied  his  own  judgment;  yet  under  the  actual  circum- 
stances of  the  operation,  as  far  as  they  have  reached  my 
knov/bdgo,  if  the  militia  had  been  fa't'ifui  to  their  engage- 
ments, and  true  to  themselves,  the  whole  might  have  passed 
the  s>tra'ts  before  the  arrival  of  the  British  column  under 
General  Sheaffi.%  whom  they  might  have  cut  off  from  Fort 
George,  and  captured  or  destroyed,  after  which  the  surren- 
der of  the  Fort  would  have  become  a  matter  of  form. 


*  Return  of  tho  troops  under  the  command  of  Major  General  Ste- 
phen Van  Rensselaer  of  the  New-York  Militia,  Head-Cluarters,  Lew- 
iston, October  12th,   1812. 


Brigades. 

Where 
stationed. 

'I'otal 

piesent  for 

duly. 

Remarks. 

Brig.  Gen.  Miller's, 
Lt.  Col.  Jno  R.  Fenwick's, 
Lt.  Col.  P.  Swift's,  and  ) 
Lt.  Col.  S.  Hopkins's,   ] 
Brig.  Gen.  Wadsworth's, 
Brig  Gen.  Smyth's, 
Lt.  Col.  Christie's, 

Lewiston, 
Lewiston, 
Bl'k  Rock   &  ) 
Buffilo,             5 
Lewiston, 
Black  R.    k, 
l.ewist.oii, 

588 
550 

386 

1682 

1650 

350 

Miliiia. 
Regulars. 

Militia. 

Militia. 

Regulars. 

Reiridars. 

N.  B.  Having  omitted  in  its  proper  place,  I  will  here  particularize, 
that  it  was  the  grenadier  and  light  companies  of  the  49th  regiment, 
which  opposed  Col.  Van  Rensselaer's  landing:  they  were  175  strong, 
commanded  by  Capts.  Dennie  and  Williams,  who  were  both  wounded, 
and  had  three  sergeants  and  thirty-nine  rank  and  file  killed  and 
wounded.     This  was  from  an  official  return  taken  at  York  . 


.'1 
'M 
II 


V'  '   If 


APPENDIX,  No.  11. 


U:       * 


i 


•11,  •) 


'  ''I 


LX 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Excellency  GoTernor 

Tompkins. 

Ogdensburgh,  July  23d,  1812,  8  o'clock,  P.  M. 
Sir,— 

On  receiving  information  that  Sackett's  Harbour  was 
menaced  by  the  enemy,  I  deemed  it  expedient  that  General 
Brown  should  repair  there ;  and,  accordingly,  he  departed 
from  this  place  early  yest'-iday  morning.  One  reason  for 
my  remaining  a  day  Oi  tv  c  longer  at  this  post  was,  to 
await,  and  possibly  improve  he  success  which  might  attend 
a  projected  attack  upon  a  tea-gun  British  schooner  which 
has  for  several  days  been  lying  at  the  dock  in  Prescott,  op- 
posite to  this  place.  The  proposed  attack  was  concerted 
by  my  aid-de-camp,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  Col.  Bene- 
dict who  commands  at  this  post.  Yesterday  was  spent  in 
preparations.  The  boarding-boats  were  ready  at  1  o'clock, 
last  night,  and  the  attack  was  to  have  been  made  by  land 
and  water,  at  3  in  the  morning.  But  when  every  thing  was 
prepared  in  such  manner  as  to  promise  complete  success,  it 
was  discovered  with  infinite  chagrin  and  mortification,  that 
only  sixty-six  men  would  vokmteer  for  the  service  !  This 
number  being  by  no  means  competent,  Cols.  Van  Rensse- 
laer and  Benedict,  who  would  certainly  have  led  the  men  to 
action  with  the  most  cool  and  determined  bravery,  were 
compelled  to  abandon  an  enterprize  honourable  in  itself^  and 
upon  the  result  of  which  might  have  depended  the  whole 
command  of  the  Lake  and  river. 

This  promising  project  having  been  blasted,  and  as  no- 
thing further  of  consequence  appeared  to  demand  my  longer 
stay  here,  1  was  on  the  eve  of  my  departure  at  five  o'clock 


APPENDIX. 


21 


DTcrnor 

:,  P.  M. 

our  was 
General 
departed 
eason  for 
t  was,  to 
rht  attend 
er  which 
scott,  op- 
concerted 
)ol.  Bene- 
3  spent  in 
1  o'clock, 
ie  by  land 
thing  was 
success,  it 
jation,  that 
ice!    This 
an  Rensse- 
thc  men  to 
/ery,  were 
1  itself,  and 
the  whole 

and  as  no- 
[  my  longer 
five  o'clock 


f 


tliis  afternoon,  when  a  large  armed  sliip  was  discovered 
coming  down  the  river.  She  has  anciiOrcd  close  on  shore, 
on  the  ojiposito  side  of  the  river,  near  to  the  schooner,  and 
appears  to  be  a  fourteen-gun  ship.  Considerable  solicitude 
prevails  in  this  place.  It  is  generally  believed  that  the  ves- 
sels in  the  harbour  are  the  ohject  of  the  enemy.  The  own- 
ers of  the  vessels  arc  preparing  to  scuttle  them,  or  remove 
them  as  far  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enemy  as  may  be.  The 
troops  are  busy  constructing  a  fort  of  timber  north  of  Pa- 
rish's store,  on  the  best  ground  for  the  purpose.  But,  sir, 
>.  ir  very  great  misfortune  is,  that  we  have  only  two  six- 
pounders.  If  this  harbour  is  to  be  protected,  it  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  that  I  should  be  immediately  furnished  with 
cannon  of  competent  calibre,  for  the  probably  approaching 
emergency.  I  shall  wait  your  answer  by  the  return  of  the 
express,  and  govern  myself  accordingly. 

I  h:.ve  the  honour,  &c. 
His  Excellency  Gov.  Tonii)kins. 

From  Miijor  General  Dearborn  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Hend  Qvnrtcrs,  Greenbnsh,  July 29th,  1812. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sir, — 
Your  situation,  I  presume,  will  enable  you  to  ascertain 
what  force  the  enemy  can  bring  into  action  against  ofTensivc 
operations  on  our  part  at  Kingston  and   its   vicinity;  and 
what  forces,  in  addition  to  those  under  your  command,  would 
be  necessary  to  render  offensive  operations  in  that  quarter 
sufficiently  sure  of  success.     Any  information  you  can  give 
me  on  this,  and  all  other  points  in  relation  to  your  com- 
mand, and  on  the  general  state  of  things  with  you,  and  in 
Upper  Canada,  is  requested;  and  it  is  highly  desirable  that 
you  afford  me  the  earliest  information,  from  time  to  time,  of 
any  occurrences  in  yojr  vicinity  sufficiently   important  to 
be   communicated.     You  will   readily   perceive   the  expe- 
diency of  employing  suitable  characters  for  obtauiing  and 


-SHHP 


, .'  I 


22 


APPENDIX, 


rll 


ia '     ii 


1 


i        ! 


k  ! 


!■ 


coiTirnunicating  to  you  correct  information  in  relation  to  the 
enemy's  force,  and  the  disposition  of  the  militia,  and  inhabi- 
tants generally  in  the  Province. 

Proper  encouragement  should  be  given  to  such  persons  as 
you  may  confide  in,  for  their  services  in  this  employment ; 
and  I  shall  hold  myself  accountable  for  any  necessary  ex- 
penditures attendant  on  it.  I  have  not  had  an  opportunity  of 
conferring  with  Governor  Tompkins ;  but  as  he  is  shortly  ex- 
pected home,  I  shall  soon  have  the  pleasure  of  a  conference 
in  relation  to  your  command,  and  the  situation  of  the  frontier 
generally.  Not  being  informed  of  the  extent  of  your  com- 
mand, I  have  written  to  the  commanding  officers  at  Niagara 
and  Plattsburgh,  from  the  presumption  that  there  might  be 
three  distinct  commands;  but  if  I  am  mistaken,  I  trust  no 
material  inconvenience  will  result  from  it.  Be  assured,  sir, 
that  your  appointment  to  your  present  command,  your  ready 
acceptance  of  it,  and  promptitude  in  repairing  to  the  fron- 
tiers, affords  high  satisfaction  to  our  good  citizens,  and  is 
peculiarly  gratifying  to  your  very,  &c. 

From  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Mnjor  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Cluarlers,  Greenbusli,  Aw^.  3d,  1S12. 

Major  Gon.  Van  Rensselaer,  or  the  Comm'g  Officer  at,  Fort  Niagara. 
Sir.— 
You  will  please  take  measures  for  keeping  up  a  corres- 
pondence with  Gen.  Hull,  and  ascertain  his  movements  by 
express,  or  otherwise  ;  and  as  he  has  crossed  over  to  Upper 
Canada,  and  taken  possession  of  Fort  Maiden,  it  will  be  ex- 
pedient to  make  every  exertion  in  your  power  to  co-operate 
with  him.  If  your  force  will  not  admit  of  any  strong  offen- 
sive operations,  it  is  highly  desirable  that  such  diversions 
should  be  made  in  his  favour,  as  will  prevent  the  enemy  from 
detaching  any  force  from  the  vicinity  of  Niagara  to  oppose 
the  movements  of  Gen.  Hull.  I  trust  you  will  soon  be 
called  to  act  in  a  more  decisive  manner. 

I  am,  &c. 


\\i\ 


APPENDIX. 


33 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  to  His  Excellency  Governor 

Tompkins. 

BufTdo,  August  nth,  1312. 
Sir,-- 

I  have  to  advise  your  Excellency  that  I  arrived  here 
last  evening,  and  various  considerations  induced  me  to  adopt 
measures  for  obtaining   the   most   satisfactory  information 
respecting  the  situation  of  General  Hull.     Accordingly,  I 
this  morning  sent  my  aid-de-camp  to  Black  Rock,  having 
heard  that  Judge  Porter,  brother  of  the  Quarter  Master 
General,  had  lately  retiu'ned  from  Detroit.     Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer has  returned,  having  had  a  conference  with  the  Quar- 
ter Master  General,  and  Judge  Porter.     The  amount  of  in- 
formation obtained  is  substantially  this. — That  Judge  Porter, 
left  Detroit,  on  the  29th  ult.     General  Hull,  was  entrenching 
himself  opposite  to  Detroit ; — Fort  Maiden  was  not  taken  as 
has  been  reported ; —  General  Hull's  force  was  eight   hun- 
dred.    At  Brown's  Town,  below  Detroit  are  fifteen  hundred 
hostile  Indians.     Quarter  Master  General  Porter  has  lately 
•sent  several  boats  with  provisions  for  Geijcral  Hull ;  but 
unfortunately,  one  boat  has  been  taken  by  the  enemy,  and 
unfavourable  apprehensions   are   entertained  for  the  other 
boats.     It  is  here,  generally  believed  that  detachments  of 
troops  have  been  sent  from  Fort  George,  to  relieve  Fort 
Maiden  ;  the  number  remaining  behind,  I  have  not  been  able 
to  ascertain,  but  shall  endeavour  to  make  this  an  object  of 
early  inquiry.     It  is  said  that  the  enemy  abound  on  the  op- 
posite shore,  with   ordnance,  and   every  munition   of  war. 
We  are,  here,  as  indeed  at  all  of  our  posts,  lamentably  defi- 
cient in  ordnance.     The  situation  of  Ogdensburgh,  and  the 
necessity  of  supplying  it  with  heavy  ordnance,  I  have  before 
stated  to  your  Excellency  in  my  letter  by  e: 'press  from  that 
place.     Every  consideration  connected  with  the  success  of 
any  operations  in  this  quarter,  urges  me  to  solicit  the  earli- 
est possible  supply  of  heavy  ordnance,  and  seme  skilful 
engineers,  and  artillerists.     Without  such  aid  and  supplies,  T 


24 


APPENDIX. 


in       ' 


can  hardly  conceive  how  it  will  be  possible  for  us  to  achieve 
any  tWinrr  of  importance,  or  even  defend  our  posts  in  case  of 
attacks  from  tb-c  enemy.  I  shall,  to-morrow,  proceed  on  to 
Black  Rock  and  Lewiston,  and  make  further  communications 
of  every  incident  of  moment. 

I  have  spent  a  part  of  this  day  with  Red  Jacket,  Corn 
Plant(;r,  and  a  number  of  other  Indians  of  itifluence.  Tiicy 
very  kindly  consider  me  as  the  messenger  of  peace  and 
friendship,  specially  delegated  by  your  excellency.  Their 
professions  are  unreservedly  friendly,  and  I  believe  sincere. 

I  have  this  day  received  a  letter  from  Major  General  Dear- 
born, in  which  ho  speaks  of  Fort  Maiden  as  being  taken  :  I 
have  given  him  such  information  on  the  subject  as  I  have 
here  obtained. 

■  I  have  the  honour,  &c. 


I 


I  111  U\" 


M 


'    Ml 


From  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Major  G  encral  Hall  ;  or  Com- 
manding officer,  &c. 

Head  (Quarters,  Green  Bash,  Aug.  8,  1812. 
Major  General  Hall, 
Sir, — 

Having  received  from  Sir  Geo.  Provost,  Governor  and 
Commander  in  Chief  of  the  forces  in  Canada,  by  Col. 
Bayncs,  his  Adjutant  General,  despatches  from  England,  to  our 
government,  of  a  conciliatory  nature ;  and  a  proposition  on 
the  part  of  Sir  George  Provost,  for  a  mutual  cessation  of 
hostilities  on  the  Frontiers,  I  have  so  far  complied  with  the 
pro{)Osition,  as  to  agree  to  direct  the  respective  Commanding 
Officers  on  the  side  of  the  United  States,  to  confine  their  re- 
spective operations  to  defensive  measures  until  they  receive 
further  orders.  Similar  orders  are  given  to  the  British  Com- 
manders. You  will,  tiicreforc,  confine  the  operations  of  the 
troops  under  your  command  to  defensive  measures  until  you 
receive  further  orders.  It  being  explicitly  understood,  that 
if  General  Hull  should  continue  to  act  offensively,  and  any 
movement  of  the  enemy's  troops  in   your  vicinity  sliould 


h 
d^ 


'M 


1__ 


^ 


APPENDIX. 


HB 


take  place  with  a  view  tooflensive  operations,  it  will  be  con- 
sidered as  ati  infraction  of  tliis  agreement  and  you  will  gov- 
ern yourself  accordingly. 

I  am,  sir,  &c. 

From  Sam.  S.  Conner,  A.  D.  to  Gen.  Dcuborn,  to  the  command- 
ing officer  at  Niagara. 
Sir,— 

You  will  please  to  communicate  the  enclosed  commu- 
nication which  is  from  the  British  Adjutant  General,  to  the 
British  commanding  olTicer,  opposite  Niagara  and  Detroit, 
that  he  may  immediately  communicate  it  to  Col.  Proctor. 

Yours,  &c. 

From  Miijor  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 

Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  18  August,  1812,  6  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Sir,— 

Your  letter  of  the  8th  inst.,  by  somemismnnagoment 
passed  this  place  in  the  mail,  last  evening,  on  to  Niagara, 
and  was  sent  to  me  by  express  from  Capt.  Leonard  at  a  late 
hour  in  the  night.  I  have  written  General  Hull  inclosing 
your  letter  to  him.  I  have  also  written  General  Porter  to 
forward  the  despatch  to  General  Hull  immediately,  by  some 
very  trusty  express.  I  have  written  the  commanding  officer 
at  Fort  George  enclosing  the  letters  from  Adjutant  General 
Baynes  to  him,  and  sent  my  aid-de-camp,  Col.  Van  Rensse- 
laer, to  Niagara,  with  orders  to  pass  over  with  a  Flag  and 
deliver  the  letters. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

Major  General  Dearborn. 


From  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Lieut.  Col.  Myers,  70th  Regt. 

Ilead-Ciuarters,  Lewiston,  18th  Aug.,  1812. 
Sir, — 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 

your  letter  of  this  date,  by  your  flag  of  truce. 

When  I  this  morning  transmitted  to  you  the  two  letters 


26 


APPENDIX* 


li     ,: 


I  ,  m 


■  I 


Ifr: 


8!!!' 


'V 


from  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  British  army,  I  authorized 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer  my  Aid-de-camp,  to  make  with  you 
the  necessary  arrangements  in  relation  to  the  armistice 
agreed  on  at  Albany. 

In  your  absence  from  Fort  George,  the  letters  were  left 
without  accomplishing  the  object.  But  I  am  now  ready  to 
send  an  officer  to  Fort  Niagara,  there  to  meet  one  whom 
you  may  appoint  to  rnakc  such  arrangements  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  troops  on  the  lines,  as  may  be  proper.  In  the 
moan  time,  it  is  explicitly  understood  that  any  movements  of 
your  troops  in  this  vicinity,  with  a  view  to  act  offensively 
against  Gen.  Hull  will  be  considered  an  infraction  of  the  ar- 
mistice agreed  upon  between  Gen.  Dearborn  and  the  British 

Adjutant  General. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Lieut.  Col.  ]Myers. 

Col.  Myers,  70th  Regt.  D.  Q.  Master  Gen.  commanding  the  Niagara 
District,  to  Mtij.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Chippewa,  18lh  Aug.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  this  date,  transmitting  one  from  the  Adjutant 
General  of  the  British  army,  addressed  to  Major  Gen.  Brock 
or  officer  commanding  Fort  George — relative  to  refraining 
from  all  offensive  warfare  between  the  troops  of  his  Majesty 
the  king  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  army  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  until  further  orders  :  and  taking  it  for  granted, 
that  similar  directions  have  been  received  by  you  from  Gen. 
Dearborn,  1  shall  strictly  conform  to  those  which  have  just 
reached  me  upon  the  subject :  and  should  you  deem  any 
further  explanation  upon  the  terms  of  this  armistice  requi- 
site, I  will  receive  such  officer  as  you  may  be  pleased  to 
send  to  Fort  George  for  the  purpose — my  duty,  however, 
will  not  allow  of  my  being  there  before  Thursday;  but  from 
which  I  trust  no  inconvenience  will  arise. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  &c.  &c.,  Lewiston. 


al 


I.I 


h. 


T^ 


I 


horized 
iih  you 
rmistice 

rcre  left 
ready  to 
e  whom 
govern- 
In  the 
jments  of 
Tensively 
of  the  ar- 
le  British 


he  Niagara 

ug.,  1812. 

receipt  of 
le  Adjutant 
3len.  Brock 
)  refraining 
his  Majesty 
nited  States 
for  granted, 
1  from  Gen. 
h  have  just 
I  deem  any 
istice  requi- 
e  pleased  to 
:y,  however, 
ly ;  but  from 

)ur,  &c. 


I 


APPENDIX. 


«7 


From  Major  Gen.  Shcaffe,  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Fort  George,  19th  Aug.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Having  arrived  at  this  Post  to  assume  the  command 
of  iiis  Majesty's  troops  stationed  hi  the  Niagara  district,  I 
have  the  honour  to  acquaint  you  that  I  shall  be  happy  to 
receive,  as  speedily  as  possible,  the  officer  suggested  by 
Lieut.  Col.  Myers  to  be  sent  over,  if  it  meet  with  your  con- 
currence, or  should  you  prefer  it,  Brigadier  Major  Evans, 
the  bearer  of  this  will  communicate  my  sentiments,  and  ar- 
range with  you  the  mode  of  carrying  into  effect,  the  order 
for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  betwixt  the  forces  of  our  respec- 
tive countries,  stationed  on  the  line  along  the  Niagara 
Frontier. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

{Signed)     R.  H.  Sheaffe, 

Major  General,  &c. 
Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  or  Officer   commanding  United  States 
forces,  Niagara  District  of  New-York. 

From  Major  Gen.  Sheaffe  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Clueenstown,  20th  Aug.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Brigade  Major  Evans  is  directed  to  repair  again  to 

your   head-quarters,    charged  with   propositions   connected 

with  the  armistice,  and  which  I  hope  will  prove   perfectly 

satisfactory  to  you. 

1  have  the  honour,  &c. 

{Signed)    R.  H.  S.  Maj.  Gen.  commanding 

H.  B.  M.  Troops, 

Niagara  Frontier. 
Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

From  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  excellency  Gov.  Tompkins. 

Head-Cluartcrs,  Lewiston,  Aug.  19th,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Airier  having  visited  Buffalo,  Black  Rock,  the  Camps 
at  Niagara  Falls,  and  this  place,  and  having  by  inspection 


-»WN| 


88 


APPENDIX. 


I  i  i  tt 


I  f 


<  nt 


and  other  means  of  information  satisfied  myself  of  the  efti- 
cicnt  f()rco,  the  state  of  discipline  amonj::^  the  t.-oops,  the  mu- 
nitions of  war  at  conimand;  the  strength,  number,  and  condi- 
tion of  the  enemy  I  should  probably  hfive  to  engage,  and  all 
Other  circumstances  connected  witli  my  intended  operations, 
I  was  perfectly  satisfied  that  although  some  very  imperious 
considerations  urged  an  immediate  descent  upon  Canada,  yet 
that  such  descent  with  my  present  disposable  force,  would 
be  rashness  in  the  extreme.  From  Buffalo  to  Niagara, 
my  force  of  militia,  is  less  than  one  thousand ;  without  any 
ordnance  heavier  than  six  pounders,  and  but  few  of  them  : 
without  artillerists  to  use  the  few  pieces  I  have,  and  the 
troops  in  a  very  indifferent  state  of  discipline ;  finding  my- 
self in  this  truly  unpleasant  situation,  I  saw  but  one  course  to 
pursue  which  was  to  concentrate  the  troops  scattered  on  this 
line,  perfect  their  discipH'  as  fast  as  possible,  and  order  in 
such  further  detachmenii,  ,  might  ensure  success  in  my  pro- 
posed operations.  Accordingly,  on  the  15th  inst.  I  issued 
my  order  to  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick  at  Oswego,  to  detach  and 
march  to  this  place  Major  Moseley's  battalion  of  riflemen ; 
on  the  10th  an  order  to  Major  Septimus  Evans,  of  Lieut. 
Col.  George  D.  Wickham's  regiment  of  detached  cavalry, 
for  a  troop  of  horse  from  his  squadron  : — to  Lieut.  Col. 
Henry  Bloom  of  the  19th  regiment  of  the  Tth  brigade  of 
detached  militia  to  march  his  whole  command:  with  this  ad- 
ditional force,  and  such  other  as  I  had  reason  to  believe  was 
on  the  march  to  this  neighbourhood,  and  as  might  be  called 
out  at  short  notice,  from  this  and  Ontario  county,  I  conclud- 
ed that  the  plan  which  I  had  adopted  might  be  attempted, 
unless  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  shore  should  be  strongly 
reinforced.  With  the  view  of  these  intended  operations,  I 
had,  on  the  15th  inst.  written  to  the  Quarter-master  General 
to  put  immediately  in  readiness  all  the  boats  at  his  commanfif 
— such  was  the  arrangement  of  the  troops  on  this  line,  an6 
such  my  orders  issued,  when,  in  the  night  of  the  17th  1  re- 
ceived by  express  from  Capt,  Leonard  at  Niagara,  a  letter 


I 


"Pi 
I 

prd 
wil 


let 
foi 


APPENDIX. 


29 


c, 


hn  clTi- 
hc  nui- 
l  condi- 

uikI  all 
smtioiis, 
iipcrious 

ulu,  yet 
would 
Siagura, 
hout  any 
of  them: 

and  the 
ding  my- 
course  to 
ed  on  this 

order  in 
in  my  pro- 
it.  1  issued 
Ictach  and 
[■  riflemen; 
I,  of  Lieut, 
id  cavalry, 
Lieut.   Col. 

brigade  of 
/ith  this  ad- 
believe  was 
ht  be  called 
r,  I  conclud- 
3  attempted, 

be  strongly 
operations,  I 
ster  General 
iiis  commanc? 
this  line,  and 
he  1 7th  1  re- 
grara,  a  letter 


A-om  Major  Gen.  Dearborn,  informing  nic  of  the  agreement 
he  had  entered  into  with  the  Governor  General  of  Canada, 
through  his  Adjutant  General,  for  an  armistice.  By  this 
arrangement,  thus  communicated  to  me,  which  I  presume 
has  been  done  with  your  E.xcelloncy's  approbation  and 
cons(Mit,  I  am  instructed  to  confine  the  troops  under  my 
command  to  defensive  measures  only,  until  further  orders ; 
and  I  have  is.sued  my  general  orders  accordingly.  The  in- 
closurcs  from  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  British  army  in 
Canada,  which  I  received  from  General  Dearborn,  I  sent, 
yesterday  morning,  by  my  aid-do  camp  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
with  a  flag  to  Lieut.  Cul.  Myers  commanding  at  Fort  George ; 
at  the  same  timo.authorizing  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  enter  with 
Col.  Myers  into  a  definite  arrangement  for  the  governmont  of 
the  troops  on  both  sides  of  the  lines.  Col.  Myers  was  aksent ; 
but  in  the  afternoon  of  ye.stcrday  I  received  by  flag,  a  letter 
from  him  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  letters  which  had 
been  transmitted  to  him,  with  his  pledge  to  conform  strictly  to 
the  terms  of  the  armistice  and  his  proposition  that  I  should, 
0.1  Thursday  ne.xt,  send  an  oflicer  to  Fort  George,  to  meet 
one  whom  he  will  api)oint,  for  the  purpose  of  settling  defi- 
nitely the  terms  of  an  arrangement  for  the  government  of 
the  troops: — To  which  1  have  replied  by  flag,  that  I  am 
now  ready  to  send  an  oflicer  to  meet  such  one  as  he  may 
appoint  for  the  above  purpose,  but  to  meet  at  Niagara,  as 
I  consider  that  place,  under  existing  circumstances,  the  most 
proper.  I  have  no  reason  to  doubt  but  this  arrangement, 
will  in  two  or  three  days  be  made,  in  good  faith. 
His  Excellency  Gov.  Tompkins. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  to  Major  General  SheafTo. 

Head  Cluartcrs,  Lewiston,  20th  August,  1812. 
Sir, — 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  of  this  date,  covering  the  articles  which  you  propose, 

for  carrying  the  Armistice  into  effect.     I  have  to  regret  that 

3» 


'^■r 


i  i 


I 


fti     V 


1 


i 


p 


'I,  k 

4 


i4 


i  ■It- 

I'  "  i 

II 
M 


W' 


\i\ 


APPENDIX. 

""  ,,  arc  so  variant  from  the  orders  wUich  I 

the  artieU^s  i.topose. ,  arc  »^  v  ^^^^^^ 

,.,ve  reeeivod  tl>at     ea  not  a  c  ^^  ^^^^^^^.^  ,„  L.eut 

I„  t\,e  letter  wlnel.  I  had  tno  .  (i^itw  stated,  that 

cl  Myevs,  on  the  .Sth  '"2"  ;  tllv^  '".y  -*  »  view  to 
,„y  .novements  of  .l>e  '-"^  \  ,  „„„«  be  considered  an 
.ot  offensively  ogan.st  Oencra  .^^^^  ^^^^^  embracng 

infraction  of  ""'^"".'f  "tnv  fntthcr  atten.pts  for  an  adjnsl- 
the  above  is  inadnnss.ble,  an>  Inrtu 
ment,  will  bo  unavailmg.  j  i,^,«,  &c. 

,  .     ,„„forn.ity  with  the  instructions 
We,  the  nndersigned,  m  ~"»  agree  to  a  eessution 
„f  our  respective  Co^r.^^'^^-^Zilof.  and  vessels  of  all 
of  all  acts  of  hostility  between  '^^       /     „  ^^.^.e  fmthcr 
descriptions  under  our  comma^u^;._^„  ^^^^^^  ,„,  ,,„ 

orders  :  and  the  party  who   '"» j^'  „„,.,ee,  computing 

renewal  of  l«'»'"""=^''*''ffJVefore  any  offensive  operation 
twenty.four  hours  to  each  day,  before  ay 

ghall  take  place.  jcinforccmenls  of  men  or 

And  we  further  »g'«'  *f  "°^„j  ^y  either  party,  h.ghev 

lies  of  a""'"""'""  ^';""  ""^i^  ,;  be  understood,  that  no 

up  than  FortErie;  and  >t  ts  a^^^    ^„™„„ition  which  now 

reinforcements  of  men,  "»  ^P  ''^^f  ,,Veetivo  districts  shall 
„e,  or  hereafter  may  arnve  n  o-J^P^^^^^^  ^,^,  „„  „^ps 
be  forwarded  above  that  1  os     .  ^^,,  ^■^,,,,^ 

.rotobesent  "P  f'°- »"f  ?,'7;i,.  previous  notice  to  bo 
above  Fort  Erie,  -"-"' ^  to  .-"c  such  movements: 
be  given  by  the  par^y  mtendm.^  t  ^^^^^  ^,^,^^^ 

'x:rt\:"r; «-  -  -b-.  ■»>  - .-  one 

thousand  eight  ''""^'-d  aj  Welve^^  ^^^  r,«sselaeh, 
Major  Genera],  commanJing  F'onlle  Yc«-YoA.  ^^^^ 
M,or  General,  eon,a>aaai„.rortGeor.eananepeade„a.. 


f 


APPENDIX. 


31 


w\\icU  I 

0  Lieut, 
itcd,  t\\at 

1  view  to 
licUjreil  an 
mbracing 
an  adjust- 


nstructiona 
X  cessation 
ssels  of  all 
cive  further 
Icrs  for  the 
J,  computing 
fG  operation 

3  of  men,  or 

)arty,  hig^iC^' 
jtootl,  that  no 
,n  whicii  now 
districts  shall 
hat  no  troops 
f  our  districts 

notice  to  bo 
1  movements: 
,  either  party 

movements  of 

yper. 
the  year  one 

NSSELAER, 

AFFE, 
pendencies. 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  lo  Major  Oencrnl  Dearborn. 

Ilnail  Clunrters,  Lcwiston,  August  21,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Inclosed  I  transmit  you  a  copy  of  an  agreement,  this 
day  entered  into  between  Mujor  General  Sheafib,  command- 
ing Fort  George  and  Dependencies,  &c.  &c.  and  myself,  for 
the  goverimient  of  the  forces  on  each  side  the  line.  You 
will  readily  perceive,  that  terms  more  favourable  than  those 
expected  in  your  letter,  have  been  obtained.  The  agreement 
speaks  for  itself. 

Major  General  Dearborn. 

From  Major  General  V-.ui  Reiissclicr  to  Major  General  SheafTc. 

Head  Cluartcrs,  Lcwislon,  25th  August,  1812. 
Sir, — 

I  have  learnt,  with  regret,  that  last  night  a  subaltern 
ofHccr  with  a  few  soldiers  and  citizens,  contrary  to  my  or- 
ders, passed  over  from  the  American  shore,  and  on  Buck- 
horn  Island,  surprized  and  brought  ofT  a  sergeant  and  five 
men,  with  n  boat.  Early  this  morning,  I  ordered  the  ser- 
geant and  men  released,  and  the  boat  restored  to  them. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Sheaffe,  Commanding,  &c. 

Major  General  Isaac  Brock  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head  Cluarters,  Fort  Geor;?e,  25th  August,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Major  General  ShcafTe  having  communicated  to  mc 
your  letter  of  this  date,  addressed  to  him,  I  seize  upon  the 
first  moment  to  express  my  thanks  for  the  measures  you  have 
adopted  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  any  misunderstanding!^ 
which  might  have  arisen  in  consequence  of  the  unauthorized 
act  of  one  of  your  subaltern  officers. 

It  was  not  until  my  arrival  at  Fort  Erie,  late  in  the  even- 
ing of  the  23d  instant  that  I  learnt  that  a  cessation  of  hostili- 
ties had  been  agreed  upon,  between  General  Dearborn  and 


3d 


APPENDIX. 


!'    i 


1 

1     '     "i: 

I  m 


m  A 


Sir  George  Provost ;  and  I,  in  consequence,  despatched  early 
yesterday  morning,  an  express  to  Amherstburgh,  ordering  a 
cessation  of  all  offensive  operations  against  the  United  States, 
in  that  quarter;  and  likewise  to  exert  every  influence  in  re- 
straining the  Indians  from  committing  any  acts  of  hostility. 

The  fortune  of  war  having  put  me  in  possession  of 
Detroit  and  its  dependencies,  a  small  garrison  has  been 
ordered  to  occupy  the  Fort,  the  chief  object  of  which  was 
to  afford  protection  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Territory.  I 
have  the  honour  to  enclose  a  copy  of  a  Proclamation  which 
I  issued  upon  this  occasion. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  commanding  Lewiston. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  to  Mijor  General  Dearborn. 


Sir,- 


Hcad  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  26th  August,  1812. 


I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  Pro- 
clamation, whicti  I  this  day  received  from  Major  General 
Brock,  under  cover  of  his  letter  of  this  date  to  me;  a  copy 
of  which  letter,  I  also  transmit  to  you.  My  letter  to  Major 
General  Shcafle,  of  which  mention  is  made,  was  to  disavow 
an  imprudent  act  of  a  subaltern  officer,  who,  with  a  few  sol- 
diers and  citizens,  passed  over,  since  the  Armistice,  to  Buck- 
horn  Island,  and  there  surprised  a  sergeant  and  five  men,  of 
the  enemy,  and  brought  them  off,  together  with  their  boat, 
which  men  i  ordered  to  be  immediately  released  and  the 
boat  restored. 

The  surrender  of  General  Hull's  army  excites  a  great 
deal  of  alarm  in  this  vicinity.  I  shall,  however,  as  far  as 
in  my  power,  check  and  keep  it  under. 

I  have,  &c. 

Major  General  Dearborn. 


il'l'^ 


n? 


APPENDIX. 


33 


ng  a 
Latcs, 
n  re- 
Uty. 
an  of 
been 
1  was 
y.     I 
which 


rborn. 
1812. 


a 


Pro- 
3lcneral 
a  copy 
0  Major 
disavow 
few  sol- 
,0  Buck- 
men,  of 
eir  boat, 
and  the 

a  great 
IS  far  as 


MAJOR  GENEHAL  BROCK  S  PROCLAMATION. 

Proclamation  by  Isaac  lirock,  Esq.,  Major  General  com- 
manding his  Majesty's  forces  in  tlie  Province  of  Upper 
Canada,  &c.  &c. 

Whereas  tlie  Territory  of  Michigan  was  this  day  by  ca- 
pitulation ceded  to  the  arms  of  his  Britannic  Majesty,  with- 
out any  other  condition  than  the  protection  of  private  pro- 
perty ;  and  wishing  to  give  an  early  proof  of  the  moderation 
and  justice  of  the  government,  I  do  hereby  announce  to  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  Terriiorv,  that  the  laws  hereto- 
fore  in  existence  shall  continue  in  force  until  his  Majesty's 
pleasure  be  known;  or  so  long  as  the  peace  and  safety  of 
the  said  Territory  will  admit  thereof;  and  I  do  hereby  also 
declare  and  make  known  to  the  said  inhabitants,  that  they 
shall  be  protected  in  the  full  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  tl  eir 
religion  :  of  which  all  pereons,  both  civil  and  military  will 
take  notice,  and  govern  themselves  accordingly. 

All  persons  having  in  their  possession,  or  having  know- 
ledge of  any  public  property,  shall  forthwith  deliver  in  the 
same,  or  give  notice  thereof  to  the  officer  commanding,  or 
Lt.  Col.  Nichol,  who  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  and 
give  proper  receipts  for  the  same.  Officers  of  militia  will 
be  held  responsible  that  all  arms  in  possession  of  militiamen, 
be  immediately  delivered  up ;  and  all  individuals  whatever, 
who  have  in  their  possession  arms  of  any  kind,  will  deliver 
them  up  without  delay. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Detroit,  this  sixteenth  day  of 
August,  1812,  and  in  the  fifty -second  year  of  his  Majesty's 
reign. 


{Signed) 


Isaac  Brock,  Major  General. 


A  true 


copy. 


I      i 


J.  Mac  Donell,  Lt.  Col.  Militia,  P.  A.  D.  C. 


Id 


mmms 


U^ 


34 


APPENDIX. 


ill' 


\r   ' 


/    " 


ii 


■  '  1,;  ' 


>'f, 


From  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Cluarters,  Grecnbush,  August  21,  1812. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,— 

Your  letter  of  the  12th  inst.  has  been  duly  received.  As 
it  is  believed  that  a  detachment  has  been  nriade  from  Niagara, 
to  reinforce  the  garrison  at  Maiden,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
be  as  well  prepared  as  possible  to  take  advantage  of  the 
reduced  forces  in  your  front :  and,  as  soon  as  there  shall  be 
orders  to  act  offensively  ;  considerable  reinforcements  from 
the  detached  militia,  and  volunteers,  aie  ordered  to  Niagara, 
Sackett's  Jh'^arbour,  Ogdensburgh,  and  Piattsburgh.  With 
the  detachment  of  regular  troops  under  Lieut.  Col,  Fenwick, 
there  is  some  heavy  ordnance,  ammunition,  and  intrenching 
tools,  which  will  be  immediately,  with  additional  ordnance 
and  military  stores,  sent  to  Niagara,  Sackett's  Harbour,  and 
Ogdensburgh.  I  have,  also,  ordered  a  considerable  number 
ofbatteaux  from  Schenectady  to  Niagara  and  Sackett's 
Harbour,  and  the  construction  of  suitable  scows  at  the  re- 
spective places,  including  Ogdensburgh,  for  the  t -ansporta- 
tion  of  ordnance.  I  hope  that  Col.  Porter  will  proceed  in 
th'i  construction  of  boats  and  scows,  with  all  possible  des- 
patch. It  will  l^  highly  gratifying  to  me  to  recr.lvo  jntrlli- 
gence  from  you  by  every  mail,  and,  in  case  of  emergency, 
by  express. 

With  much  corisideration,  &c. 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Excellency  Goyefnor 

Tompkins. 


Sir,— 


IIead-Q,uartcrs,  Lewiston,  August  31, 1813. 


Presuming  that  the  surrender  of  General  Hull's  army  has 
hc^A  officially  announced  to  your  Excellency  through  the 
proper  channel,  I  shall  not  enter  into  any  details  upon'  the 
event  so  disastrous  to  our  country  :  its  consequence  must  be 
fdt  every  where ;  but  they  are  peculiarly  distressing  upon 


: 


i 


III 

theJ 
Anl 

S0( 

lh(j 

ncfj 
ingi 
ma[ 


'li'  r; 


1 


APPENDIX. 


85 


aer. 
Jl2. 


i.   As 
igara, 
iry  to 
of  the 
mil  be 
s  from 
iagara, 
With 
3nwick, 
snchlng 
rdnance 
our,  and 

number 
^ackett's 
t  the  re- 
insporta- 
:ocf-'ed  in 

ible  des- 
ro  intolU- 
le  rgency, 


lovernor 


31,1813. 


s  army  has 
irough  the 
s  upon  the 
ce  must  be 
essing  upon 


these  frontiers,  both  to  the  citizens,  and  the  httle  army 
under  my  command.  Alarm  pervades  the  country,  and 
distrust  among  the  troops.  They  are  incessantly  pressing 
for  furloughs,  under  every  possibl'3  pretence.  Many  are 
without  shoes;  all  clamorous  for  pay.  Many  are  sick. 
Swift's  regiment  at  Black  Rock  a  re  about  one-fourth  part 
down.  I  have  ordered  Doctor  Brown  to  associate  Doctor 
Chapin  with  him,  and  to  examine  as  to  the  causes  producing 
the  diseases,  the  mode  of  treating  them,  &c.  and  to  report  to 
me  their  opinion  of  the  best  mode  of  restoring  the  sick,  and 
preser/ing  the  health  of  those  who  remain  wdl.  This  duty 
they  are  now  performing. 

Captain  Jennings  has  been  tried  by  a  court-martial,  and 
found  guilty  of  such  charges  as  forfeited  his  commission; 
and  I  have  approved  the  sentence.  The  proceedings,  in 
form,  will  soon  be  forwarded  to  your  Excellency. 

While  we  are  thus  growing  daily  weaker,  our  enemy  is 
gn.wing  stronger.  They  hold  a  very  commanding  position 
on  the  high  ground  above  Queenstown,  and  they  are  daily 
strengthening  themselves  in  it,  with  men  and  ordnance.  In- 
deed, they  are  fortifying  almost  every  prominent  point,  from 
Fort  Erie,  to  Fort  George.  At  present  we  rest  upon  the 
armistice;  but  should  hostilities  be  recommencf^d,  I  must 
imniediately  change  my  position.  I  receive  no  reinforce- 
ments of  men,  1:70  ordnance,  or  munitions  of  war.  I  must 
hopr  that  I  shall  not  long  be  left  in  this  situation. 

Two  gentlemen,  Messrs  Johnson  and  Bascom,  came  over 
in  a  /lag  to  the  garrison,  at  Niagara,  and  the  first  I  knew  of 
them  they  were  in  my  camp.  Being  satisfied  that  they  were 
American  citizens,  men  of  intelligence,  and  some  standing  in 
society,  I  permitted  them  to  pass  on,  with  orders  to  report 
themselves  to  your  Excellency. 

There  is  one  fact,  which  though  not  immediately  con- 
nected with  my  department,  I  cannot  refrain  from  mention- 
ing ; — the  unfortunate  soldiers  of  General  Hull's  army,  who 
marched  by  my  camp  on  their  way  to  Lower  Canada,  are 


i'l= 


hm 


\IT 


5S»« 


I  ■  '■' 


36 


APPENDIX. 


very  destitute  of  clothing.     Every  consideration  would  urgo 
that  some  attention  should  be  paid  to  their  condition. 
I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins. 


From  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 


fi.ii 


m  (, 


■I 


Head-Q,uartcrs,  Greenbush,  Aug.  25,  1812. 


Sir,— 


As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  receipt  of  this,  you  will 
please  to  have  the  enclosed  letter  directed  to  the  Command- 
ing Officer  of  the  British  forces  at  Fort  George,  at  Niagara, 
conveyed  to  him  by  a  flag;  and  the  letter  directed  to  Gen. 
Hull,  you  will  please  to  have  forwarded  to  him  by  express, 
with  as  great  despatch  as  practicable;  and  at  the  expiration 
of  four  days  ;ifl;er  the  letter  is  delivered  to  the  British  Com- 
manding Officer  at  Fort  George,  you  will  consider  the  tem- 
porary conditional  agreement  for  suspending  oflensivo  ope- 
rations between  the  forces  under  your  command,  and  the 
British  forces  in  your  vicinity,  as  no  longer  binchiig  on 
either  side ;  and  you  will  act  accordingly ;  and  you  will 
make  every  exertion  in  your  power  for  annoying  the  enemy, 
as  toell  as  to  guard  against  any  attack  from  him.  Consi- 
derable reinforcements  have  been  sent  on  from  Montreal  to 
strengthen  their  jiositions  in  Upper  Canada;  and  I  trust 
you  will  very  soon  receive  such  additional  force  from  this 
State,  and  from  Pennsylvania,  as  ivill  enable  you  to  pass 
into  Canada  ivith  safety  and  effect.  A  largo  reinforce- 
ment is  on  its  march  under  Brig.  Gen.  Dodge,  for  Sackelt's 
Harbour  and  Ogdciisburgh,  as  well  as  for  Plattsburgh.  I 
have  ordered  thirty  batteaux  to  Niagara,  and  an  equal  num- 
ber to  Sackett's  Harbour,  and  have  directed  the  building  of 
proper  scows  for  the  transportation  of  ordnance.  7/  the 
enemy  should  have  detached  from  Fort  George,  it  may  af- 
ford you  an  opportunity  to  strike  a  blow. 
I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
P.  S.  Sir,  it  will  be  advisable  to  wait  until  the  arrival  of 


i  li 


APPENDIX. 


87 


\irgo 


claer. 
1812. 

ou  will 

imand- 

iagara, 

to  Gen. 
:;xprcss, 

pi  ration 
sh  Com- 

thc  tem- 
live  opc- 

and  the 
iding   on 

yiiu  tvill 
he  enemy, 
Consi- 
nntreal  to 
id  I  trust 
from  this 
ou  to  pass 

reinforce- 
r  Sackelt's 
sburgli.  I 
iqual  num- 
building  of 
;e.     ]J  the 

it  may  nf- 


e  arrival  of 


I 


Lt.  Col.  Fenwick  with  the  cannon,  and  stores  shall  be  ren- 
dered certain,  within  four  days,  before  you  send  the  enclosed 
letter  to  Fort  George.  I  presume  he  must  arrive  before  this 
reaches  you ;  but  it  may  be  otherwise. 

(Signed)  H,  Dearborn. 

Major  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  1st  September,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  the  25th  ult.  I 
shall  ascertain  the  movements  and  situation  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Fenwick,  with  the  cannon  and  stores  :  and  as  soon  as  he  can 
be  considered  safe,  I  shall  terminate  the  armistice  in  the 
manner  prescribed. 

Upon  this  occasion,  I  conceive  it  a  duty  I  owe  to  my 
country,  to  the  troops  under  my  command,  and  to  my  own 
character,  to  state,  that  we  are  not,  on  this  Frontier,  in  that 
condition  which  the  approaching  crisis  will  require.  My 
force  of  militia,  rank  and  file,  now  fit  for  duty,  is  six  hundred 
and  ninety-ono,  as  will  appear  by  the  inclosed  return ;  these 
have  to  guard  a  line  of  thirty-six  miles.  My  sick  list  is 
more  than  one  hundred.  Many  of  the  men  are  without  shoes, 
and  all  clamorous  for  pay.  Bosides,  it  is  a  fact  that  cannot 
be  concealed,  that  the  surrender  of  General  Hull's  army 
has  spread  great  alarm  among  the  inhabitants  on  this  Fron- 
tier, and  I  every  day  perceive  strong  symptoms  of  distrust 
among  the  troops.  They  luivo  Simii  jlil'ir  countrymen  sur- 
rendered without  a  single  effort,  and  marched,  prisoners,  be- 
fore their  eyes.     They  cannot  comprehend  it. 

At  this  hour,  I  have  received  no  reinforcements  of  men, 
no  supplies  of  ordnance,  tents,  nor  ammunition.  There  are 
not  ten  rounds  per  man,  on  the  Niagara  Frontier ;  nor  have 
we  lead  to  make  cartridges.  We  are  extremely  deficient 
of  medicine  and  Hospital  stores ;  of  lint  and  bandage  cloth 
we  have  none,  — nor  any  surgical  instruments.     Lieut.  Col. 


|:  i 


i'^fr* 


mmim 


39 


APPENDIX* 


!:i 


Swift's  regiment,  at  Black  Rock,  and  the  troops  irt  gai'n'sorl 
at  Niagara,  have  no  tents  to  take  the  field ;  unless  Bloom's 
regiment,  and  the  troops  witii  Lieut.  Col.  Fen  wick  have 
tents  with  them,  they  cannot  be  covered.  This  is  a  brief 
sketch  of  our  condition.  Our  enemy  are  every  moment  on 
the  alert ;  they  hold  a  very  commanding  position  on  the  high 
ground  above  Qucenstown  ;  and  are  daily  strengthening  it, 
with  men  and  ordnance.  Indeed,  almost  every  point  of  any 
importance  from  Fort  Erie  to  Fort  George,  is  in  some  state 
of  defence.  At  each  Fort  on  the  Lakes,  their  shipping  is 
ready  to  act.  The  troops  which  had  been  detached  from 
this  quarter  to  act  against  General  Hull,  have  returned  and 
may  now  be  concentrated  at  this  point.  Before  the  termina- 
tion of  the  armistice,  1  must  change  my  position,  and  can 
only  act  on  the  defensive,  until  1  shall  be  reinforced  with 
troops,  well  disciplined,  and  commanded  by  able  officers. 
I  am,  with  respectful  consideration,  &c. 
Major  General  Dearborn. 


i 


I       i 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  His  Excellency  Governor 

Tompkins. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  September  1st,  1812. 
Sir,— 

In  tlie  letter,  which  I  yesterday  had  the  honour  to 
address  to  your  Excellency,  I  njentioned  the  general  alarm 
winch  the  surrender  of  General  Hull's  army  had  spread 
through  the  Frontiers. 

The  inhabitants  every  where  think  themselves  in  danger. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  in  the  County  of  Chautauque  ; 
in  consequence  of  representations  made  to  me  by  the  inhab- 
itants of  that  county,  I  had  on  the  27th  ult.  issued  an  or- 
der to  Lieut.  Col.  John  Mc  Mahon,  to  order  into  service  two 
full  companies  of  his  regiment  for  the  protection  of  the  in- 
habitants.  This  morning  again,  I  have  been  called  upon  by 
Captains  Baldwin  and  Muck,  gentlemen  of  respectability, 
from  that  county,  very  earnestly  soliciting,  in  behalf  of  the 


f 


APPENDIX. 


30 


i<  I 


inhabitants,  still  further  force  for  their  protection,  and  T  have 
issued  another  order  to  Lieut.  Col.  Me  Mahon,  to  detach  one 
captain,  two  sergeants,  two  corporals,  and  twenty-six  pri- 
vates more,  for  the  service  aforesaid,  until  your  Excellency's 
pleasure  can  be  known  on  the  subject. 

September  2J,  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Col.  Fenwick  has  not  yet  arrived  at  Fort  Niagara,  and 
of  course,  I  have  not  delivered  the  letter  I  yesterday  re- 
ceived from  Major  General  Dearborn,  by  express.  Four  or 
five  vessels  have  just  arrived  at  Fort  George,  it  is  supposed 
with  reinforcements.  Our  enemies  appear  to  be  on  the  alert 
at  every  point. 

This  morning  Lieut.  Branch  and  about  forty  men  arrived 
here,  with  two  pieces  of  flying  artillery ;  also,  at  the  same 
time,  Capt.  Camp,  with  about  twenty-five  dragoons.  The 
company  lately  under  the  command  of  Captain  Jennings,  in 
Lieut.  Col  Swift's  Regiment,  had  become  so  clamorous  for 
pay,  and  contended  so  strenuously  that  their  time  had  ex- 
pired, that  I  have  ordered  them  to  be  dismissed,  in  the  opinion 
that  this  would  meet  your  Excellency's  approbation.  I  was 
strengthened  by  learning  from  Brigadier  General  Brown, 
that  Lieut.  Col.  Bellinger's  regiment,  who  were  on  the  same 
standing  in  service,  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  have  been  dis- 
charged  by  your  order. 

I  have  the  honour  &c. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins, 


Hcad-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  2d  September,  1812. 
GENERAL  ORDERS. 


Sir,— 


Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  directs  that  you  land 

the  troops,  cannon,  and  stores,  under  your  command,  at  the 

Four  Mile  Creek ;  and  make  every  military  preparation  to 

protect  them,  and  to  give  him  immediate  information  of  your 

arrival  by  express. 

By  order, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 
Lieut,  Col.  Fenwick,  Light  Artillery. 


t." 


i   I 


r'!'.»w  mil   m»Mrii  nii»i 


40 


APPBNBIX. 


HI  1    ' 


<  ii 


F  i  ^i 


f  i' 


",  I-' 


Lieutenant  Colonel  Fenwick  to  Major  General  Van  Rannelaer, 

Four  Mile  Creek,  September  3,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Agreeable  to  your  instructions,*  lam  landing  the  ord- 
nance and  stores  at  this  place.  Tliey  are  of  great  impor- 
tance, and  I  do  not  think  them  safe  in  tl)is  position.  The 
powder  I  must  keep  on  board,  as  it  will  sustain  injury  by  be- 
ing taken  out.  I  pray  you,  sir,  to  assist  me  so  soon  as  pos^ 
sible.  and  receive  the  assurance  of  my  consideration  and 
respect 

{Signed)    John  R.  Fenwick, 

Lieut.  Col.  Light  Artillery. 

Colonel  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fenwick. 

Head-Q,uarters,  Lewiston,  September  3,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  has  ordered  the  Quar- 
ter Master  to  proceed  immediately  to  the  Four  Mile  Creek, 
and  furnish  you  with  the  necessary  transportation  foi*  the 
cannon  and  military  stores  in  your  charge ;  and  has  also 
detached  one  captain,  one  subaltern,  and  forty  men  to  as- 
sist you  in  their  removal  and  protection  to  this  place.  The 
troops  and  wagons  will  reach  you  this  evening. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

{Signed)    S.  V.  Ren.  A.  D.  C. 
Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  Four  Mile  Creek. 

From  Major  Gen.  Dearborn  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Q.uarters,  Greenbusli,  Ist  Sept.,  1812. 
Major  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

I  received  your  letter  of  the  25th  ult.  this  morning, 
enclosing  a  communication  fVom  Capt.  Leonard. — The  full 

*  An  express  had  been  sent  to  Col.  Fenwick,  to  land  at  Four  Mile 
Creek.  This  precaution  was  taken  lest  the  Armistice  might  have  been 
terminated  below,  or  some  accident  might  throw  the  cargo  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy.    No  copy  was  kept  of  the  note  to  Col,  Fenwicl?. 


1' 


APPENDIX. 


41 


of  Gen.  Hull,  and  the  army  under  his  command,  is  as  morti- 
fying as  it  was  unexpected.  Wo  must  endeavour  to  redeem 
our  honour  by  increasing  our  exertions.  In  addition  to  tho 
mihtia  detachments  ordered  from  this  State,  and  two  thou- 
sand ordered  from  the  north-western  part  of  Pennsylvania 
to  Niagara;  three  regiments  of  new-raised  troops  of  the  ar- 
my  have  been  some  days  on  their  march  towards  your  post. 
I  am  forwarding  additional  supplies  of  musketry  .md  cannon, 
with  forty  batteaux  to  Niagara — a  detacliment  of  troops  will 
accompany  the  boats  from  Oswego.  It  will  be  necessary  to 
have  teams  ready  to  take  the  stores  and  boats  from  a  safe 
landing  place;  and  it  may  be  well  to  order  a  detachment  to 
meet  the  boats  at  some  distance  from  Niagara  on  the  shore. 
I  hope  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  with  the  troops  and  stores  under 
his  command,  will  have  arrived  in  season.  /  have  no  doubt 
hut  that  you  will  improve  the  earliest  opportunity  for  re- 
taliating  on  the  enemy  our  misfortunes  at  Detroit.  Gen. 
Dodge  goes  to  Sackett's  Harbour  with  a  fine  force.  I  have 
detached  Gen.  Bloomficld  with  a  brigade  of  regular  troops, 
with  artillery,  &c.  to  Plattsburgh,  and  other  troops  in  addi- 
tion to  the  militia  of  this  State  and  Vermont  will  accompany 
or  follow  him. 

I  shall  endeavour  to  draw  the  reinforcements  back  from 
Upper  Canada  to  Montreal. 

With  great  consideration  and  esteem. 


our  Mile 
have  been 
o  inlo  the 
FenwicH. 


From  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  Gen.  Brock. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  Sept.  4lh,  1812. 
Sir,— 

By  the  articles  which  I  had  the  honour  to  conclude 
with  Major  Gen.  Sheaffe  on  the  21st  ult.,  for  the  government 
of  the  troops  of  the  United  States  under  my  command,  and 
his  Brittannic  Majesty's  forces  on  this  frontier,  during  the 
temporary  armistice,  it  was,  among  other  things,  stipulated 
that  "  the  party  who  shall  first  receive  orders  for  the  renew- 
al of  hostilities  shall   give  four  days^  notice,  computing 

4* 


;i  ■ 


42 


AFPbMDIX. 


w 


^, 


:l 


H4: 


■n 


twentiffour  hours  to  each  day,  before  any   offensive   ope- 
ration  shall  take  ])lace." 

Having  now  received  orders  to  terminate  the  arnnistice, 
in  conformity  to  the  above  recited  stipulation,  I  liave  the 
honour  to  transmit  you  this  notice,  that  the  armistice  will  bo 
terminated  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  noon,  on  Tuesday,  the  eighth 
day  of  September,  inst. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  Gen.  Isaac  Brock,  or  officer  commanding  Fort  Geoigc. 

From  Mnjor  Gen.  Sheaffe  to  Mnjor  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Fort  George,  5ili  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  the  honour  of  receiving  your  communication, 

signifying  the  intention  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  of 

renewing  hostilities,  after  four  days  shall  have  elapsed  froni 

the  period  at  which  the  notice  was  given.     Thus  declaring 

that  the  armistice  shall  terminate  at  twelve  o'clock  at  noon, 

on  the  eighth  day  of  this  September. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

{Signed)         R.  II.  Sheaffk, 

Maj.  Gen.  M.  B,  M.  forces,  commanding,  &c. 

Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  commanding  frontiers. 


«, 


^,;i^!' 


From  Major  Gen.  Dearborn  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Cluarters,  Greenbush,  Sept.  2d,  1812. 

Major  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sir, — 

I  send  this  by  express  for  the  purpose  of  putting  you 
on  your  guard  against  an  attack,  that  1  have  reason  to  ap- 
prehend is  intended  by  the  enemy.  A  considerable  force 
has  lately  i)assed  into  Upper  Canada,  for  the  obvious  pur- 
pose of  striking  not  only  at  Detroit,  but  at  other  posts. 
From  the  number  of  troops  which  have  left  Montreal 
for  Upper  Canada,  I  am  not  without  fear  that  attempts  will 
be  speedily  made,  to  reduce  you  and  your  forces  to  the 
mortifying  situation  of  Gen.  Hull  and  his  army.     If  such  an 


APPENDIX. 


43 


attempt  of  the  enemy  should  b(!  made,  previous  to  the  arri- 
val of  the  principal  part  of  the  troops  destined  to  Ninj^ara,  it 
will  be  necessary  for  you  to  be  prepared  for  all  events;  and 
to  be  prepared  to  make  good  a  secure  retreat  as  the  last 
resort.  I  hope,  however,  you  will  not  be  reduced  to  tho 
mortifying  alternative  of  falling  back.  But  froni  the  unfor- 
tunate event  at  Detroit,  we  may  expect  great  exertions  on 
the  part  of  the  enemy  ;  and  as  far  as  the  means  in  our  power 
will  admit,  we,  I  trust,  shall  be  at  least  equally  vigilant  and 
active. 

I  am,  sir,  with  high  consideration  and  esteem,  &c. 

P.  S.  The  Frigate  Guerricro  has  been  captured  and  sunk 
by  the  U.  S.  Frigate  Constitution,  Capt.  Hull. 


From  Major  Gen.  Van  Rci.sselaer  to  Major  Gen.  Dearborn. 

Head-Q,uarters,  Lewislon,  5th  Sept.,  1S12.— 7,  P.M. 
Sir,— 

The  express  has  just  arrived  with  your  letter  of  the 
2d  inst.  I  thank  you  for  the  information  which  your  letter 
contains,  and  for  suggesting  precautions  against  a  disaster, 
which  would  deeply  implicate  the  honour  of  my  country,  tho 
fate  of  the  little  trmy  under  my  command,  and  my  own 
character. 

Every  exertioi  which  tho  small  force  I  command  can 
I  kake,  to  avoid  eilht  a  surprise  or  defeat,  will  be  attempted. 
So  small  and  scattered  has  been  my  little  band,  and  so  de- 
pressed by  th<  fate  of  Gen.  Hull,  that  every  movement  has 
b<^en  heavy.  But  within  forty-eight  hours,  the  scene  seems 
to  have  changed  ?<  little  for  the  bettei. — Lieut.  Col.  Fen- 
wick  has  arrived  safe,  with  the  cannon  and  stores.  To 
avoid  any  possible  casualty  I  ordered  them  landcfl  at  the 
Four  Mile  Creek,  a  little  below  Fort  Niagara,  and  from 
thence  t^py  have  been  brought  by  land  :  the  boats  have  re- 
turnefl.  A  battalion  of  about  seventy  riflemen,  which  on  the 
16th  i,Lt.  I  had  ordered  from  Oswego,  has  this  day  arrived 
here. 


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44 


APPENDIX. 


I  have  determined,  with  the  concurrence  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Fenwick's  opinion,  to  throw  up  a  strong  battery  on  this  side 
of  Fort  Niagara,  on  the  banlc  of  the  river,  and  there  place 
the  four  eighteen  pounders.  With  this  view  I  went  this 
morning  on  the  spot,  and  we  have  broke  ground.  This 
evening  Lieut.  Col.  Fcnwick  and  Capt.  Leonard  are  with 
me.  I  understand  that  our  movement  has  produced  great 
activity  at  Fort  George.  The  enemy  have  immediately 
commenced  some  new  works.  It  is  my  intention  to  support 
the  battery  near  Fort  Niagara,  with  as  strong  a  camp  as  I 
am  able,  and  to  cut  a  road  back  of  it  for  greater  safety,  in 
case  I  should  be  hard  pressed. 

Agreeably  to  your  instructions  I  waited  for  the  safety  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  the  cannon,  and  stores,  before  I  gave 
the  notice  necessary  to  terminate  the  armistice,  conformably 
to  the  stipulations  between  Major  Gen.  Sheafle  and  myself. 
The  notice  was  delivered  at  Fort  George  yesterday  before 
noon,  and  by  it  the  armistice  will  be  terminated  at  12  o'clock 
at  noon,  on  the  bth  inst.      This  day  Major  Gen.  Sheaffe  has 
acknowledged  the  receipt  of  my  notice.     My  present  camp 
being  within  the  reach  of  the  enemy's  guns,  on  the  high 
grounds  in  Queenstown,  I  have  determined  to  quit.     I  had 
designated  a  spot  for  my  new  encampment  about  one  mile 
from  the  river,  on  the  ridge  road ;  but  I  may  reconsider  this 
subject.     It  might  be  expected,  from  my  situation,  that  I 
could  with  facility  obtain  correct  inform.ation  of  the  enemy's 
force  and  movements  in  this  vicinity ;  but  so  is  not  the  fact. 
Every  effort  for  that  purpose  is  absolutely  vain.     I  can  only 
obtain   information  too  general  to  calculate   upon.      It  is 
generally  believed  that  the  enemy  are  concentrating  their 
forces  to  this  neighbourhood ;  but  what  their  numbers  are, 
is  to  me  wholly  unknown. — They  appear  to  be  on  the  alert. 
At  Fort  Niagara  we  have  (concealed)  two  thirteen  and 
a  half  inch  brass  mortars,  and  four  eight  and  a  half  inch  how- 
itzers.   Capt.  Leonard  has  this  evening  handed  me  a  memo- 
randum of  articles  that  in  his  opinion,  which  I  respect,  are 


APPENDIX. 


45 


very  much  wanted  for  these  pieces,  and  some  others,  as 
follows : — 

400  shells  for  the  mortars. 

KiOD  cannister  and  grape  shot  for  the  howitzers. 
16  dozen  port-fires — harnesa  complete  for  the  mortars 
and  howitzers — also  wanted,  harness  for  the  6  six 
pounders  now  at  Fort  Niagara. 
With  the  information  of  which  you  are  possessed,  relative 
to  my  force  and  that  of  the  enemy,  I  presume  you  cannot 
expect  that  I  shall,  immediately,  attempt  to  act  offensively. 
I  shall  endeavour  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy  as  far 
as  possible,  and  so  dispose  my  little  force  as  to  avoid  a  sur- 
prise, or  risking  too  much  with  raw  troops  in  case  the  ene- 
my should  cross  to  attack  me: — the  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull's 
army  has  put  it  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  to  turn  a  strong 
force,  to  act  either  defensively  or  offensively  against  me.  My 
situation  requires  arduous  duty :  it  may  be  critical ;  hut  I 
shall  meet  events  in  that  manner  which  my  judgment  shall 
dictate  as  most  prudent  and  safe,  and  to  the  utmost  of  my 
power  discharge  my  duty. 

The  conduct  of  Capt.  Hull  in  the  Constitution  was  gallant 
indeed,  and  has  justified  the  high  expectations  we  have  all 
entertained  of  our  navy,  and  the  brave  men  who  com- 
mand it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

with  respect  and  consideration,  &c. 
Major  Gen.  Dearborn. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 

Head  (Quarters,  Lewiston,  8th  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  this  day  received  your  two  letters  of  the  1  st  in- 
stant, and  have  made  the  communication  you  requested  to 
the  Contractor. 

No  occurrence  of  importance  has  taken  place  since  I 
wrote  you  on  the  5th,  by  your  express,     I  have,  yesterday, 


TTjii  tmi^nnsmmmmma 


46 


APPENDIX. 


t 


Vk 


p!1   ■     '^ 


,'V. 


removed  my  camp  to  the  Ridge  Road,  as  I  proposed.  The 
battery  near  Fort  Niagara  is  fast  progressing,  also  the  cut- 
ting of  the  back  road,  mentioned  in  my  last  letter.  The 
enemy  appear  to  he  very  active  ;  but  whether  their  prepa- 
rations are  for  offensive,  or  defensive  operations,  is  impossi- 
ble for  me  to  determine. 

The  night  before  last  two  men  came  over  from  Canada, 
but  the  information  they  give  is  of  very  little  consequence  : 
indeed,  the  character  of  the  men  would  not  give  much 
weight  to  any  thing  they  might  say.  They  state  that  Gen. 
Brock  had  returned  from  York  to  Fort  George — that  1500 
militia  were  ordered  for  Fort  George  yesterday — some 
troops  have  this  day  passed  up  through  Queenstown.  Not 
knowing  what  the  termination  of  the  armistice  might  pro- 
duce, I  have  taken  every  precaution  in  my  power  to  meet 
any  attempt  the  enemy  might  make.  But  it  is  now  five 
o'clock,  and  I  neither  see  nor  hear  of  any  movements.  Ge- 
neral VVadsworth  and  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  have  been  the 
whole  day  at  Niagara.  Should  they  return  before  the  mail 
closes,  and  have  any  thing  of  importance  to  communicate,  I 
shall  add  it  in  a  postscript. 

I  am,  sir,  with  groat  respect. 

Major  Gen.  Dearborn. 


1^1 


y  I 


Memorandum. — The    following    note   was   received   on 
the  8th  of  September : — 


Sir,- 


Lt.  Col.  Fenwick  to  Maj.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 


I  am  induced  to  believe  from  every  observation  I  have 
vigilantly  made,  that  the  enemy  is  prepared  and  ready  for 
an  attack.  They  are  so  with  shipping  and  boats,  which  to- 
day brought  them  a  reinforcement  of  men  and  stores.  Our 
patrole  are  very  lax  in  their  duty.  The  work  erecting  can- 
not be  finished  in  time,  without  additional  strength.  When 
finished,  it  is  not  secure  without  being  strongly  covered  in 
the  rear;  for  we  have  nothing  to  prevent  their  landing; 


11 


3d  on 


APPENDIX. 


47 


and  they  can,  in  tiiat  case,  carry  the  work.  Tlie  regular 
force  should  be  concentritcd,  and  organized.  Our  stores 
should  bo  removed;  they  are  not  in  safety;  for,  if  they 
threw  over  two  hundred  men,  they  can  curry  the  Fort. 
This  I  beg  your  consideration  to,  as  your  strength  is  six 
miles  off,  and  four  hour's  time.  I  have  no  means  of  express 
at  my  command. 

John  R.  Fenavick,  Lt.  Col.  &c. 

From  Lt.  Col.  John  R.  Fenwick  to  Maj.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Foit  Niagara,  Sept.  lOih,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Fatigued  and  harassed  as  the  troops  have  been,  I 
really  do  not  think  our  situation  a  safe  one.  I  submit  to 
your  judgment  whether  the  troops  should  not  be  concen- 
trated :  as  they  are  ail  young  and  undisciplined,  they  may 
be  cut  up  in  detail.  The  defence  of  this  place  is  precarious, 
outside  of  the  store-house.  I  apprehend  nothing  but  sur- 
prise !  We  should  be  then  prepared  to  act  in  force,  and  in 
any  given  point.  The  Contractor  is  very  inattentive.  Our 
men  are  extremely  dissatisfied.  The  enemy  has  erected 
another  battery.  I  ordered  the  light  artillery  down.  They 
called  in  their  fatigue  parties,  and  prepared  for  attack — the 
Indians  moving  in  every  direction.  The  movement  puzzles 
them;  and  I  am  pleased  at  giving  them  so  much  trouble. 
I  hope  I  shall  have  the  honour  of  a  visit  from  you  to- 
morrow. 

I  salute  you,  General,  with  consideration  and  respect, 
John  R.  Fenwick,  Lt.  Col.  Lt.  Art. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

From  Maj.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Maj.  Gen.  Dearborn. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  10th  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 
When  I  had  the  honour  of  receiving  your  communication 


.Mil 


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48 


APPENDIX. 


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of  the  1st  inst.,  p.cquainting  me  of  the  dispositions  you  are 
making  to  reitiforce  me  upon  this  frontier  with  men,  cannon, 
musketry,  stores,  etc.,  my  attention  was  immediately  ar- 
rested by  the  proposition  of  sending  them  from  Oswego  to 
Niagara,  or,  indeed,  any  part  of  that  distance,  by  water.  It 
will  be  recollected  that  the  passage  of  Lt.  Col.  Fenwick  with 
boats,  was  rendered  safe,  under  a  clause  of  the  agreement 
for  the  observance  of  the  armistice.  But,  upon  the  receipt 
of  your  letter,  my  own  opinion  was  against  risking  any 
thing,  hereafter,  along  that  shore  by  water ;  but  I  wished 
further  information  on  the  subject  before  I  should  advise 
you.  The  opinions  of  others  whom  I  have  advised  with  on 
this  subject,  and  who  are  competent  judges,  fully  accord 
with  my  own,  that  it  would  be  very  hazardous  for  the  bat- 
teaux  to  attempt  coming  from  Oswego  to  Niagara  in  the 
very  face  of  our  active  enemy,  having  command  of  the 
water.  The  batteaux  might,  and  probably  would,  have 
some  days  of  head  wind ;  and,  in  such  case,  it  would  be 
next  to  impossible  that  they  should  escape  the  observation  of 
the  enemy :  and,  when  once  discovered,  they  would  un- 
doubtedly be  attacked  in  some  place  where  the  landing 
could  be  effected  with  most  difficulty.  My  opinion  is  fur- 
ther strengthened  by  some  late  movements  of  the  enemy. 
The  day  after  the  termination  of  the  armistice,  the  Royal 
George,  and  another  armed  vessel,  chased  some  vessels  re- 
turning from  Niagara  to  Oswego,  into  the  Genesee  river, 
and  fired  a  few  shot.  This  has  excited  an  alarm  among 
the  inhabitants ;  and,  according  to  the  custom  prevailing  on 
the  whole  frontier,  they  have  sent  a  deputation  to  me  pray- 
ing protection.  I  have  ordered  them  some  ammunition ;  I 
can  do  no  more.  I  am  so  entirely  convinced  that  the  car- 
goes of  the  batteaux  will  be  in  danger  on  the  passage  from 
Oswego  to  Niagara,  that  I  shall  send  an  express  to  Three 
River  Point,  to  have  the  batteaux  come  up  to  Cayuga 
Bridge,  and  there  land  their  cargoes,  to  be  transported  by 


•i':  ^1 


APPE?iDtX.  49 

land  to  this  place.  *  i  shall  bestow  further  consideration  on 
this  subject. 

Believing  that  the  best  use  which  I  can  make  of  the  old 
stone  mess-house  at  Niagara,  is  to  convert  it  into  a  battery, 
I  have  ordered  the  roof  to  be  taken  off,  tlie  walls  above  the 
upper  floor  to  be  strengthened  by  embankments  of  earth  on  the 
inner  side,  and  two  twelve-pounders,  and  one  howitzer 
mounted  in  that  battery.  It  is  high,  and  may,  perhaps, 
avail  us  something.  I  expect  it  will  be  prepared  in  this 
manner,  in  a  day  or  two.  I  was  yesterday  there,  and  the 
roof  was  nearly  taken  down. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  with  great  consideration. 

Major  General  Dearborn. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Fenwick, 
commanding  Niagara. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lcwislon,  15th  Septoiiber,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  tiiis  moment  received  your  note  of  this  date. 
It  is  a  fact  too  true,  that  many  of  the  arms  both  here,  and 
at  the  garrison  are  not  fit  for  use.  The  armourers  are  here, 
busily  engaged ;  nevertheless  I  send  you  one  of  them. 
Please  to  order  the  line  of  sentries  extended  up  the  river  as 
far  as  you  deem  expedient. 

It  seems  to  be  impossible  to  obtain  grain  for  our  horses. 
I  have  this  day  issued  an  order  to  the  Quarter  Master  Gen- 
eral, as  to  forage;  and  shall  make  every  effort  in  my  power, 
to  get  a  supply.  General  Brock  will,  undoubtedly,  make 
every  effort;  let  us  employ  every  moment  in  making  the 
best  possible  dispositions,  to  receive  him,  should  he  attempt 
an  attack.  As  to  the  salt,  the  teams  and  men  were  left  be- 
hind for  the  express  purpose  of  removing  it.     If  the  service 

♦  Perhaps  some  precautions  may  be  adopted  so  as  to  get  round  the 
batteaux  to  ihe  Eighteen-Mile  Creek,  or  to  some  near  position  on  the 
lake  shore,  from  whence  they  may  be  drawn  over  land  to  this  place. 

5 


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60 


APPENDIX. 


requires  any  more  men  for   fatigue  I  will  send  them  imme- 
diately. 

With  consideration  and  respect. 
Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  Light  Artillery  commanding  Niagara. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Excellency  Governor 

Tompkins. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  15th  September,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Agreeably  to  the  instructions  contained  in  your  Ex- 
cellency's last  letter  of  tiie  I4th  ult ,  I  have  endeavoured  to 
keep  Major  General  Dearborn  fully  advised  of  all  my  move- 
•  ments  and  operations,  since  that  time,  and  to  my  letters  trans- 
mitted to  him,  I  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Excellency  for  par- 
ticulars.    If  the  little  army  under  my  command  has  not  yet 
achieved  any  thing  brilliant,  I  endeavour  to  console  myself 
with  the  belief]  that  we  have  not  yet  sufiered  any  disgrace. 
My  force  is  yet  small — about  sixteen  hundred  militia;  of 
course  the  necessary  service  renders  the  duty  of  the  troops 
very   severe.     They,  however,  endure  it  with  as  much  pa- 
tience, as  could  be  expected  from  men  in  their  situation. 
Many  of  them  destitute  of  shoes,  and  indeed  of  such  clothing 
as  is  necessary  for  the  approaching  season ;  and  they  are 
all  extremely  clamorous  for  their  pay.     Some  money  must 
be  furnished  for  the  troops  in  a  very  short  time,  or  the  con- 
sequences of  omitting  it  will  seriously  affect  the  service,  and 
at  least  render  every  movement  heavy. 

Since  my  first  arrival  on  this  frontier,  I  have  found  myself 
much  embarrassed  with  the  situation  of  Fort  Niagara.  To 
attempt  defending  it  with  the  ordnance  I  found  here,  I  con- 
sidered idle :  and  after  the  return  of  General  Brock  from 
Detroit,  I  had  great  reason  to  believe  that  he  could  command 
a  competent  force  to  carry  the  garrison,  should  he  attack 
it.  But  apprehending  the  very  serious  consequences  which 
must  inevitably  result  from  abandoning  the  Fort  altogether, 
I  took  the  precaution  of  removing  the  most  valuable  stores, 


APPENDIX. 


61 


and  determined  to  risk  events,  until  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick 
should  arrive,  when  I  might  avail  myself  of  his  opinion,  at 
least,  and  of  the  ordnance  he  had  with  him,  should  it  be 
deemed  advisable  to  attempt  holding  the  garrison.  By  suspend- 
ing the  notice  for  terminating  the  Armistice,  Lieut.  Col.  Fen- 
wick arrived  safe  with  the  cannon  and  stores,  under  his  charge, 
at  Four  Mile  Creek.  Fort  Niagara  became  one  of  the  first 
subjects  of  deliberation,  and  it  was  determined  to  attempt 
maintaining  it.  For  this  purpose  it  was  deemed  expedient  to 
remove  the  roof  of  the  old  stone  mess-house,  and  convert 
the  upper  story  into  a  battery,  to  be  mounted  with  two  twelve 
pounders,  and  a  howitzer.  I  also  determined  to  throw  up  a 
strong  battery  on  the  bank  of  the  river  about  a  mile  above 
the  garrison  ;  nearly  opposite  the  main  battery  on  the  Cana- 
da shore,  and  there  mount  three  eighteen  pounders. 

As  the  enemy  can  rake  the  river-road,  from  this  to  the 
garrison,  even  with  musketry,  I  determined  to  cut  a  road  for 
comnaunication  between  my  camp  and  the  garrison,  back  in 
the  woods,  and,  cut  off  the  reach  of  the  enemy's  fire ;  these 
have  been  the  main  objects  of  our  fatigue  for  some  days  past, 
and  are  all  of  them  nearly  completed.  These  operations 
have  produced  great  activity  at  Fort  George;  no  sooner 
were  our  works  commenced  than  the  enemy  began  opposing 
batteries.  Their  force  is  certainly  very  respectable,  and 
constantly  employed.  Whether  the  enemy  will  attack  Niaga- 
ra or  not,  is  impossible  for  me  to  say.  There  are  some 
very  imperious  considerations  to  urge  them  to  it.  Newark 
is  a  very  considerable  village  ;  the  enemy  have  there,  valua- 
ble barracks  and  accommodations  for  winter  quarters;  and 
whatever  might  be  the  final  result  of  a  bombardment,  the 
enemy  must  inevitably  suffer  very  considerably.  My  pre- 
sent opinion  is,  that  I  had  better  attempt  to  maintain  the  gar- 
rison, than  to  risk  the  consequences  of  abandoning  it. 

Liable  as  I  am  to  an  attack  ft-om  the  enemy  at  any  hour, 
and  my  troops  worn  down  with  fatigue,  I  have  resorted  to  a 
measure  Wiiich,  perhaps,  exceeds  the  letter  of  my  orders ; 


ilfT" 


J; 


62 


APPENDIX. 


i       I 


ill    i 


\i\  '•  ^' 


ir 


yet  considering  that  not  only  the  tranquillity  of  this  frontier, 
but  possibly  the  fate  of  my  little  army  may  be  at  stake;  and 
having  been  advised  by  Major  General  Dearborn  to  adopt 
every  measuse  of  precaution,  against  a  surprise  from  a 
strong  force  which  he  had  reason  to  believe  the  enemy  were 
directing  against  me;  I  have  ordered  a  detachment  of  five 
hundred  men  from  Brigadier  General  Ilopkin's  brigade,  and 
some  companies  of  the  detachment  have  actually  marched. 
I  wish  to  be  favoured  with  your  excellency's  early  instruc- 
tions on  this  subject;  as  at  present  I  only  consider  these 
troops  ordered  into  service  during  your  pleasure. 

From  a  source  not  to  be  doubted,  1  learn  that  the  enemy 
are  forwarding  very  large  supplies  of  arms  and  military 
stores  to  Upper  Canada:  one  hundred  loaded  boats  havo 
lately  come  up  the  St.  Lawrence ;  also  two  regiments  are 
on  their  way  to  Upper  Canada. 

Having  been  advised  by  Major  General  Dearborn  that 
forty  batteaux,  with  cargoes  for  the  use  of  the  army  on  this 
Frontier,  were  on  their  way  from  Schenectady  to  Niagara, 
by  the  way  of  Oswego,  I  have  advised  him  of  the  danger 
to  be  apprehended  in  their  voyage  from  Oswego  to  Niagara ; 
as  I  am  clearly  of  opinion  from  the  best  information,  ihat 
that  passage  ought  not  to  be  attempted,  by  the  boats  with 
their  cargoes  ;  and  fearing  that  my  despatch  miglit  not  reach 
Major  General  Dearborn  in  season  for  him  to  act,  I  have  by 
express,  ordered  the  commanding  officer  of  the  batteaux,  to 
stop  at  Three  River  Point,  come  up  to  Cayuga  Bridge — land, 
and  store  the  cargoes — and  then  go  down  to  Oswego,  adopt 
every  precaution  to  avoid  capture,  and  proceed  with  all  pos- 
sible despatch,  to  the  Eighteen  Mile  Creek.  I  have  advised 
the  Quarter  Master  of  this  arrangement,  and  he  has  deputed 
a  person  to  receive  the  cargoes  of  the  batteaux,  and  furnish 
the  necessary  transportation  to  Black  Rock. 

The  alarm  which  lately  took  place  in  the  County  of  Onta- 
rio, by  the  enemy's  ships  chasing  some  vessels  into  tho 
mouth  of  the  Genesee  river,  has  induced  Judge  Atwater  to 


APPENDIX. 


63 


make  a  communication  to  me  of  a  very  unpleasant  nature. 
After  stating  the  great  zeal  with  which  the  militia  turned  out, 
he  says,  "  But,  sir,  1  lament  when  I  tell  you,  that  neither 
arms,  nor  amnnunition  are  provided  for  those  brave  men:  no, 
not  one  musket  to  six  men.  that  would  cheerfully  risk  their 
lives,  in  defence  of  their  country."  He  says,  they  "are  des- 
titute of  arms  and  ammunition  ;  they  are  neither  of  them  to 
be  purchased  in  the  country." 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins  to  Major 

General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Albany,  September  9th,  1812. 
Dear  sir, — 

Your  various  communications  have  come  to  hand,  the 
two  last  while  I  was  in  New-York.  My  return  from  that 
city  was  expedit  d  by  the  news  of  Hull's  discomfiture.  Pre- 
viously to  my  leaving  this  place  for  New- York,  I  had  ordered 
out  two  regiments,  in  addition  to  Bloom's,  to  reinforce  you, 
but  their  march  has  been  retarded  by  circumstances,  over 
which  I  had  no  control.  They  are  now  directed  to  move 
on  with  the  utmost  expedition.  Until  reinforcements  arrive 
I  am  sensible  of  the  delicacy  of  your  situation.  Your  pro- 
ceedings hitherto,  in  concentrating  in  one  place,  and  disci- 
plining a  large  body  of  your  troops,  changing  your  encamp- 
ments, your  disposition  of  the  despatch  relative  to  the  ter- 
mination of  the  Armistice,  and  every  other  official  act  has 
met  my  entire  approbation,  and  will  receive  that  of  your 
fellow-citizens  generally.  I  pray  God  you  may  be  able  to 
maintain  your  post,  until  reinforcements  shall  arrive. 


His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins  to  Major  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer.   Extract  from. 

Albany,  September  9th,  1812. 

The  government    has  at  length  been  awakened   to   its 

5* 


64 


APPENDIX. 


n 


'•I' 


duty,  with  rcspoct  to  the  command  of  the  Lukes.  The 
moat  unbounded  authority  has  been  given  to  Cnptain 
ChaUncy  for  that  purpose,  and  he  will  he  with  you  soon. 
Forty  ship  carpenters  came  up  with  nie,  in  the  last  steam- 
boat, and  have  gone  on  Westward.  Marines  and  seamen, 
will  be  on  as  soon  as  vessels  and  gun- boats  are  ready. 

A  large  supply  of  ordnance  of  every  description,  is  now 
on  its  way  from  New- York.  The  orders  embrace  Erie  as 
well  as  Ontario.  I  despatched  an  express  for  Captain 
Chauncy,  on  that  subject  iVom  New -York,  on  Friday  even- 
ing to  Captain  Woolsoy.  The  despatches  have  returned 
this  morning,  and  have  gone  down  by  express.  Should  you, 
my  dear  General,  be  able  to  maintain  your  position  a  short 
time,  these  arrangements  for  the  Lakes,  and  the  reinforce- 
ments, will  place  you  in  a  situation  of  defiance.  To  enable 
you  so  to  do  more  efTectually,  the  militia  of  every  descrip- 
tion in  the  counties  above  mentioned  are  placed  at  your  dis- 
posal, and  you  may  instantly  call  upon  all,  or  any  portion  of 
them,  under  the  act  of  1795,  (enclosed)  or  under  the  militia 
law  of  this  state,  and  I  will  approve,  confirm,  and  maintain 
your  proceedings.  The  Quarter  Master  General  of  the 
state  is  ordered  by  me  into  regular  service,  and  is  now,  in 
every  respect  subject  to  your  directions.  1  have  remitted 
him  ten  thousand  dollars,  by  Major  Noon. 

You  have  probably  felt  hurt  at  the  unfrequency  of  my 
answers  to  your  communications :  but  when  I  inform  you 
that  I  have  no  private  secretary  here,  that  the  adjutant  gen- 
eral is  in  declining  health,  and  that  none  of  my  staff  or  aids 
are  in  service,  or  with  me,  though  the  latter  have  volunteered 
their  services  without  pay,  and  have  been  with  me  occasion- 
ally, at  their  own  expense,  and  when  I  inform  you  further, 
that  the  drudgery  of  attending  to  a  variety  of  details  in  ren- 
dezvousing, supplying  equipage,  and  paying  troops,  &c.  de- 
volves upon  me,  or  must  remain  unattended  to,  I  trust  you 
will  extend  great  charity  to  my  apparent  inattention  to  your 

mmunications. 


ft 


f  n 


APPENDIX.  00 

Receive,  dear  general,  an  assurance  of  my  groat  consider- 
tion  and  sincero  esteem. 
Major  General  Van  Ilcnssclner. 

EXTRACT. 
From  Major  General  Dcar'oorn  lo  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
llead-Ciuarters,  Urcenbusli,  Sept.  lOih,  1812. 
Major  General  Van  Ilciisselatr. 
Sir,— 

Your  letter  of  the  7th,  by  the  returning^  express,  reach- 
ed us  at  y  o'clock  last  evening.  The  safe  arrival  of  Lieut. 
Col.  Fenwick,  with  the  troops,  cannon,  and  stores,  has  re- 
lieved me  from  some  anxiety.  J  am  satisfied  thai  the 
abandonment  of  the  Old  Fort  is  a  prudent  measure  ;  and  I 
have  the  fullest  confidence  that,  whatever  relates  to  your 
actual  command,  will  be  performed  in  the  manner  that  the 
good  of  the  service,  and  the  best  interests  of  the  i  country 
demand. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  His  Excellency  Governor 

Tompkins. 

EXTRACT     FROM. 

Hcad-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  2d  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Since  I  had  the  honour  to  address  your  Excellency  and 

General  Dearborn,  on  the  !7th  inst.,*  nothing  of  very  great 

importance  has  taken  place.      The  position  of  the  army  is 

still  the  same,   guarding  with  great  vigilance,   as  far  as  our 

force  will  admit,  every  point  accessible  by  the  enemy.      On 

the  night  of  the  20th,  all  the  ships  which  the  enemy  have 

on  Lake  Ontario,   were  anchored  in  the  mouth  of  Niagara 

River.     What  was  the  object  of  this  movement,  I  know  not, 

unless  it  was  to  avoid  the  violence  of  a  most  tremendous 

storm  which  we  have  lately  had,  in  which  our  Troops  have 

suffered  much.      By  the  great  violence  of  the  wind,   many 

tents  were  blown  over;    my  own  marque,   bed,  and  all,  was 

completely  deluged.       My  morning  report  of  sick  is  149. 

Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  went,  yesterday,  to  Fort  George,  to 

*  Both  inserted  in  the  narrative. 


Ill'' 


m 

m 


!    )! 


f  .1  ■ 


'  ^' .. 


III     m^- 1 


56 


APPENDIX. 


carry  my  answer  to  a  communication  I  had  received  from 
General  Brock,  relative  to  a  firing  between  our  sentinels,  by 
which  one  man  on  the  Canada  shore  was  killed.  There 
wap  no  General  Officer  at  Fort  George,  yesterday ;  and  the 
ships  were  all  gone. 

From  Major  General  Dearborn    to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Cluarters,  Grcenbush,  Sept.  17lh,  1812. 
Dear  Sir, — 

Your  letter  of  the  8th  was  this  day  received.  I  have 
ordeied  two  regiments  from  this  camp,  and  two  companies 
of  artillery  for  Niagara.  When  they  arrive  with  the  re- 
gular troops  and  militia,  from  the  Southward,  and  such 
additional  numbers  cf  militia,  as  I  reckon  upon  from  this 
state,  the  aggregate  force  will,  I  presume,  amount  to  up- 
wards of  six  thousand.  It  is  intended  1o  have  a  force 
sufficient  to  enable  you  to  act  with  effect,  although  late.  Bri- 
gadier General  Smith  will  leave  this  place  to-morrow,  to 
take  command  of  his  Brigade  of  regular  troops,  when  they 
arrive.  I  persuade  myself  that  you  will  not,  under  your 
present  circumstances,  risk  more  than  prudence  will  justify ; 
and  that,  of  course,  you  will  be  prepared,  in  case  you  are 
pushed,  to  fall  hack,  so  as  not  to  hazard  an  action  on  very 
unequal  f(X>ting.  If  the  enemy  should  make  an  attempt  on 
you,  his  endeavour  will  undoubtedly  be  to  cut  off  your  re- 
treat by  light  parties  and  Indians.  You  will  excuse  my 
repeated  cautions ;  but  from  the  best  information  I  have 
received,  I  am  induced  to  fear  that  an  attempt  will  be  made 
on  your  pest  before  sufficient  reinforcemnts  will  reach  you. 
This  will  be  conveyed  by  a  safe  hand,  and  in  confidence. 

Yours,  with  respect  and  esteem. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Maj.  General  Dearborn. 

Head-Ctuarlers,  Lewiston,  Sept.  27th,  1812. 
Sir,— 

By  Captain  Dox,   vho  Arrived  in  camp  yesterday,  I 


APPENDIX. 


B7 


received  your  le'ter  of  the  1 7th  inst.,  and  I  can  assure  you, 
it  is  consoling  to  learn  that  I  shall  soon  be  partially  relieved 
from  that  severe  suspense  and  solicitude  which  have,  for 
some  weeks  past,  been  inseparably  connected  with  my  si- 
tuation. In  the  view  of  those  important  interests  which  I 
considered  to  be  at  stake,  it  required  much  deliberation,  to 
decide  on  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued,  and  when  tiiat 
course  was  determined,  in  the  manner  which  I  have  before 
stated  to  you,  it  required  new  efforts,  by  night  and  day,  to 
dispose  my  small  force  to  meet  events  in  such  manner,  as  to 
justify  the  course  adopted.  But,  as  yet,  I  am  satisfied  of 
the  correctness  of  the  decision  :  and,  although  I  have  acquired 
nothing,  I  have  surrendered  nothing. 

From  the  various  accounts  I  have  received,  we  must,  I 
think,  in  a  few  days  be  able  to  act,  at  least,  on  the  defensive, 
with  better  prospects. 

Lieut.  Colonel  Boesler  has  arrived,  and.  by  him,  I  learn 
that  three  regiments  will  soon  arrive.  But  I  am  mortified 
to  understand,  by  a  letter  from  Col.  Winder,  that  the  ag- 
gregate of  the  troops  will  be  but  about  900  men,  and  that 
his  regiment  is  entirely  without  cloth  clothing,  which  is 
indispensable  for  them  in  the  field  at  ihis  season. 

The  enemy  continue  their  operations  with  great  activity 
fortifying  their  camp,  at  Fort  George,  in  every  direction. 
Seven  of  the  24  pounders  taken,  at  Detroit,  and  there 
mounted,  part  on  travelling  carriages. 

Notwithstanding  the  most  positive  orders  on  both  sides, 
we  are  constantly  troubled  with  the  warfare  of  sentries. 
By  their  firings  across  the  river,  one  man  on  each  side  has 
fallen,  within  the  past  week.  It  is  next  to  impossible,  lo 
keep  our  guards  sufficiently  vigilant  on  their  posts.  I  pre- 
sume. His  Excellency,  Governor  Tompkins,  has  shown  you 
an  extract  of  a  letter  which  I  lately  forwarded  him,  relative 
to  the  strength  of  the  enemy,  in  the  rear  of  Fort  Erie. 
Captain  G.bson  has  arrived.  I  presume,  Lieut  Elliott  of 
the  navy  has  apprised  you  of  his  arrangements :  the  ves- 


■1  :.  ii  t 


f 


"mmm 


M» 


tfl^.r 


^1^ 


I 


'•' 

•■  ■■ 

'\ 

1      ■    !■ 

\  [ 

1    :  ^ 

1    '    .  1 

P' 

;^'  i 

.1      »!■ 


ii'^^ti*- 


58 


APPENDIX. 


sels  had  escaped  from  Genesee  River  to  Oswego.  He  is 
now,  with  fifteen  of  his  men  at  Buffalo.  More  ordnance  seems 
indispensable  for  our  future  operations. 

P.  S.  As  the  post  at  Sackett's  Harbour  is  within  my  com- 
mand, I  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  for  your  consideration 
the  propriety  of  continuing  so  many  troops — about  sixteen  hun- 
dred— there.  While  the  enemy  hold  command  of  the  Lake, 
Sackett's  Harbour  is  not  a  point  from  which  a  descent  upon 
Canada  can  be  made.  We  are  not  to  apprehend  general 
invasion,  at  every  point ;  and  the  village,  at  that  place,  is 
certainly  not  of  importance  in  proportion  to  the  force  which 
guards  it.  I  know  of  no  consideration  which  ought  to  claim 
more  than  a  regiment  of  troops  at  that  Post,  to  man  the  bat- 
tery, and  guard  the  Harbour.  In  my  opinion,  every  con- 
sideration, connected  with  the  general  interest  of  the  service 
dictates,  that  part  of  the  troops  at  Sacketts  Harbour  should 
be  ordered  immediately  to  this  station. 

I  am,  sir,  with  respect,  &c. 
Major  General  Dearborn. 

From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 


Head-Quarters,  Lewiston,  28th  Aug.,  1812. 


Sir,- 


By  the  mail  of  this  day  I  received  your  letter  of  the 
21st  inst.  I  had  hoped  that  his  excellency  Gov.  Tompkins 
might  have  detailed  to  you  the  condition  of  the  troops  under 
my  command  on  this  frontier;  and  also  the  ordnance,  &c, 
at  my  command.  The  whole  number  of  militia  on  this  fron- 
tier is  less  than  eight  hundred;  more  than  one  hundred  on 
the  sick  list :  many  without  shoes,  and  otherwise  illy  pre- 
pared for  offensive  operations.  1  have  only  five  or  six 
pieces  of  ordnance  :  none  larger  than  s'x  pounders. 

After  having  satisfied  myself  of  the  strength  and  condi- 
tion of  the  enemy,  I  was  fully  convinced  that  however  impe- 
rious the  considerations  which  urged  an  immediate  descent 


tn 
th 

foj 


API*END1X. 


69 


upon  Canada,  that  the  result  must  be  unfavourable.  I  there* 
fore  adopted  the  plan  of  concentrating  my  forces  scattered 
on  this  line,  and  calling  in  such  further  reinforcements  aa 
might  enable  me  to  act.  But  the  face  of  th  ngs  is  now 
wholly  changed  by  the  incomprehensible  disaster  of  Gen. 
Hull's  army.  Within  forty-eight  houis  past  Gen.  Hull,  and 
a  considerable  portion  of  his  regulars,  have  been  marched 
through  Queenstown,  in  fair  view  of  my  camp.  The  ef- 
fects produced  by  this  event  are  such  as  you  w'U  readily 
imagine.  I  understand  that  Gen.  Hull  and  his  troops  are 
now  embarking  at  Fort  George,  probably  for  Montreal. 

I  wait  with  solicitude  to  learn  the  result  of  our  Govern- 
ment's  deliberation  on  the  armistice;  in  the  mean  time, 
adopting  such  measures  as  I  must  pursue,  if  a  recommence- 
ment of  hostilities  shall  take  place. 

I  shall  immediately  apprise  Gen.  Porter  of  your  instruc- 
tions respecting  boats. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  Gen.  Dearborn. 


vj. 


"^i. 


iscent 


From  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head-Cluarters,  Greenbush,  Sept.  26. h,  1812. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sir,— 

Your  letter  of  the  17th  inst.  was  not  received  until 
this  morning.  Although  I  had  taken  as  early  measures  as 
circumstances  admitted  of^  for  having  your  post  strongly 
reinforced,  I  have  been  disappointed  as  to  the  time  of  the 
actual  arrival  of  the  different  corps  at  their  places  of  desti- 
nation ;  and  also  in  regard  to  the  transportation  of  military 
stores  to  your  camp.  A  strange  fatality  seems  to  have  per- 
vaded the  whole  arrangements.  Ample  reinforcements  of 
troops  and  supplies  of  stores  are  on  their  way,  but  I  fear 
their  arrival  will  be  too  late  to  enable  you  to  maintain  your 
position.  I  had  hoped  from  your  former  letter,  that  the  old 
fort  had  been  abandoned,  and  the  stores  removed  to  a  place 


•if 


•mmmmm 


I, 


I 


60 


APPENDIX. 


i!f 


;  i  '  :  ■ 


t'U: 


t      Ji 


J     k 


I  <-. 


of  more  security.  I  fear  it  will,  in  case  of  an  attack  from  a 
superior  force,  bo  a  trap  for  the  garrison  that  may  he 
placed  in  it.  li'this  should  reach  you  previous  to  the  ene- 
my's movement  against  you,  I  must  take  the  liberty  of  advis- 
ing to  such  a  concentration  of  your  force,  and  such  ar- 
rangements for  the  satety  of  the  principal  military  stores, 
boats,  &c.,  as  will  enable  you,  in  the  last  resort,  to  risk  no 
more  than  shall  be  absolutely  necessary.  I  have  requested 
the  Quarter  Master  General  to  send  on  a  deputy  quarter- 
master with  funds,  and  capacity  for  furnishing  whatever 
may  be  necessary  in  his  line.  By  putting  on  the  best  face 
that  your  situation  admits,  the  enemy  may  be  induced  to 
delay  an  attack  until  you  will  be  able  to  meet  him,  and 
carry  the  war  into  Canada.  At  all  events,  we  must  calcu- 
late on  possessing  Upper  Canada  before  winter  sets  in. 
Gen.  Harrison  will,  I  am  assured,  enter  Canada,  by  Detroit, 
with  not  less  than  from  six  to  seven  thousand  men,  exclu- 
sive of  the  troops  necessary  for  guarding  the  frontier  against 
Indian  depredations.  The  force  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  and 
that  vicinity,  is  over  two  thousand,  including  an  old  com- 
pany of  regular  artillery,  and  a  large  company  of  old  rifle- 
men. I  have  great  confidence  in  the  exertions  now  in  ope- 
ration in  the  navy  department  on  Lake  Ontario.  In  fact,  we 
have  notlung  lo  fear,  and  much  to  hope  as  to  the  ultimate 
success  of  measures  now  in  operation  with  a  view  to  Upper 
Canada ;  but  much  may  immediately  depend  on  what  may 
happen  at  your  post. 

Your's  with  high  respect  and  consideration. 

Lieut.  Totten,  cf  the  Engineers,  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Fort  Niagara,  October  5th,  1812. 

Sir,— 

I  beg  leave  to  lay  before  you  the  following  few  ob- 
servations on  the  works  of  this  place. 

The  form  of  Fort  Niagara,  with  the  exception  of  its  east 


and 

wil 

im 

dot 

trie 

mel 

det 

tiaj 

sn 

Co 


nee 


7 


APPENDIX. 


01 


I 


front,  is  irregular,  being  adapted  to  the  brow  of  the  banks ; 
and  all  its  faces,  with  the  same  exception,  are  only  musket 
proof  Lying  as  it  docs,  under  the  command  of  the  English 
Fort  George,  no  defence  can  be  expected  from  it  against  a 
cannonade  ;  and  it  night  even  be  prudent  for  the  greater 
security  of  the  garrison,  if  such  an  event  is  to  be  appre- 
hended, to  cut  down  the  pickets  on  the  sides  exposed.  Xt 
will  certainly  be  unwise  to  attempt  making  ourselves  equal  to 
the  enemy  in  batteries,  for  we  have  but  few  pieces  of  ord- 
nance, and  I  believe  no  means  of  procuring  more.  Such 
works  would  only  cause  a  useless  expense  of  time  and 
labour.  But  if  this  post  should  be  conceived  (as  I  appre- 
hend it  will)  important  to  cover  a  landing  on  the  English 
shore — to  protect  a  retreat,  and  to  command  the  entrance  of 
the  river,  we  cannot  too  soon  make  the  commencement  of  a 
considerable  battery.  I  will  make  the  necessary  plans,  and 
a  particular  representation,  if  you  consider  the  object  of  suf- 
ficient importance,  and  will  honour  me  with  a  requisition. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick  to  Maj.  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,— 

Lieut.  Col.  Christie  is  of  opinion,  after  the  ammunition 
and  ordnance  stores  are  removed,  that  a  subaltern's  guard 
will  be  sufficient  for  the  protection  of  the  boats  and  the  re- 
maining stores ;  and  that  his  officers  and  men,  full  of  ar- 
dour, and  anxious  to  give  their  country  a  proof  of  their  pa- 
triotism, by  being  engaged  in  the  first  expedition,  induces 
me  to  solicit,  as  a  favour,  that  you  will  allow  him  and  his 
detachment  to  accompany  me  this  night.  I  think  it  essen- 
tial, that,  if  a  blow  is  struck,  it  should  place  us  upon  such 
ground  as  will  prevent  the  enemy  from  giving  us  a  check. 
Col.  Christie,  after  placing  a  strong  guard,  and  invalids,  can 
march  with  three  hundred  effectives.  As  silence  will  be 
necessary  on  our  march  to  Lewiston,  would  you  permit  two 

6 


'IV  t: 


\fi 


)  r 


M;' 


fitii 


II 


62 


APPENDIX. 


cavalry  to  attend  mc,  that  the  sentries  on  the  road  may  be 
acquainted  with  our  movements. 

I  am,  &c.  Sic. 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick. 

Head-Q,uartcrs,  Lewiston,  Oct.  lOtli,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  this  evening,  acquainting 
tne  that  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  is  desirous  of  mnrching  with  his 
men  to  th;s  place,  to  shaie  in  the  contemplated  movement. 
Upon  Col.  Christie's  leaving  a  sufficicHt  guard  for  the  ord- 
nance stores,  I  most  cheerfully  grant  his  request.  But  it 
■will  be  necessary  for  him  to  march  by  1 1  o'clock  this 
night,  to  be  here  in  season. 

I  am,  dsc.  dec. 
Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick. 


From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 
Head-Quarters,  Lewiston,  October  14lh,  1812. 
Sir,— 

As  the  movements  of  this  army  under  my  command, 
since  I  had  the  honour  to  address  you  on  the  8th,  have  been 
of  a  very  important  character,  producing  consequences  se- 
rious to  many  individuals,  establishing  facts  actually  con- 
nected with  the  interest  of  the  service,  and  the  safety  of  the 
army;  and,  as  I  stand  prominently  responsible  for  some  of 
these  consequences,  I  beg  leave  to  explain  to  you,  sir,  and 
through  you  to  my  country,  the  situation  and  circumstances 
in  which  I  have  had  to  act,  and  the  reasons  and  motives 
which  governed  me ;  and  if  the  result  is  not  all  that  might 
have  been  wished,  it  is  suc'.i,  that,  when  the  whole  ground 
shall  be  viewed,  I  shall  cheerfully  submit  myself  to  the 
'udgment  of  my  country. 

In  my  letter  of  the  Sth  instant,  I  apprisr  ^i  you  that  the 
crisis  in  this  campaign  was  rapidly  advancing ;  and  that  (to 
repeat  the  same)  *<  the  blow  must  be  soon  struck,"  or  all 


APPENDIX. 


63 


the  toil  and  expense  of  the  campaif^n  go  for  nothing,  for  tho 
whole  will  be  tinged  with  dishonci':' 

Under  such  impressions,  I  had,  on  the  5th  instant,  written 
to  Brig.  C  n.  Smyth  of  the  United  States  forces,  requesting 
an  interview  with  him,  Major  Gon.  Hall,  and  the  com- 
mandanis  of  regiments,  for  tho  purpose  of  conferring  on  tho 
subject  of  future  operations.  I  wrote  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  to  tho 
same  purport.  On  the  ilth,  I  had  received  no  answer 
from  Gen.  Smyth;  but  in  a  note  to  me  of  the  lOth,  Gen. 
Hall  mentioned  that  Gen.  Smyth  had  not  yet  then  agreed 
upon  any  day  for  the  consultation. 

In  the  mean  time,  the  partial  success  of  Lieut.  Elliott  at 
Black  Rock,  (of  which,  however,  I  have  received  no  official 
information)  began  to  excite  a  strong  disposition  in  tho 
troops  to  act.  This  was  expressed  to  me  through  various 
channels,  in  the  sluipe  of  an  alternative,  that  they  must 
have  orders  to  act,  or  at  all  hazards  they  would  go  home.  I 
forbear  here  commenting  upon  the  obvious  consequences,  to 
me  personally,  of  longer  withholding  my  orders  under  such 
circumstances. 

I  had  a  conference  with ,  as  to  the  possibility  of 

getting  some  j)erson  to  pass  over  to  Canada,  and  obtain  cor- 
rect information.  On  tho  morning  of  the  4th,  he  wrote  to 
me  that  he  had  procured  the  man  who  bore  his  letter,  to  go 
over.  Instructions  were  given  him ;  he  passed  over — ob- 
tained such  information  as  warranted  an  immediate  attack. 
This  was  confidentially  communicated  to  several  of  my  firet 
officers,  and  produced  great  zeal  to  act ;  more  especially  as 
it  might  have  a  controling  effect  upon  the  movement  at  De- 
troit, where  it  was  supposed  General  Brock  had  gone  with 
all  the  force  he  dared  spare  from  the  Niagara  frontier.  The 
best  preparations  in  my  power,  were  therefore  made  to  dis- 
lodge the  enemy  from  the  heights  of  Queenstown,  and  pos- 
sess ourselves  of  the  village,  where  the  iroops  might  be  shel- 
tered from  the  distressing  inclemency  of  the  weather. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fleming's  flying  artillery,  and  a  detachment 


ill 
;  ill 


t 


l1  .. 


■•  i\ 


'  ':X 


f:  '■!■ 

[Hi' 


64 


APPENDIX. 


f     ...  I 


of  regular  troops  under  his  command,  were  ordered  up  in 
season  from  Fort  Niagara.  Orders  were  also  sent  to  Gen, 
Smyth  to  send  down  from  Buffalo  such  detachment  from  his 
brigade  as  existing  circumstances  in  that  vicinity  might  war- 
rant. The  attack  was  to  be  made  at  3  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  1  Ith,  by  crossing  over  in  boats  from  the  old  ferry, 
opposite  the  heights.  To  avoid  any  embarrassment  in 
crossing  the  river,  (which  is  here  a  sheet  of  violent  eddies) 
experienced  boatmen  were  procured  to  take  the  boats  from 
the  landing  below,  to  the  place  of  embarkation.  Lieut. 
Sim  was  considered  the  man  of  the  greaicst  skill  for  this 
service;  he  went  ahead,  and,  in  the  extreme  darkness,  pass- 
ed the  intended  place  far  up  the  river,  and  there,  in  the  most 
extraordinary  manner,  fastened  his  boat  to  the  shore,  and 
abandoned  the  detachment.  Iji  this  front  boat  he  had  car- 
ried nearly  all  the  oars  which  were  prepared  for  the  boats. 
In  this  agonizing  dilemma  stood  officers  and  men,  whose  ar- 
dour had  not  been  cooled  by  exposure  through  the  night,  to 
one  of  the  most  tremendous  north-east  storms,  which  conti- 
nued unabated  for  twenty-eight  hours,  and  deluged  the  whole 
camp.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  to  have  commanded  the 
detachment. 

After  this  result,  I  had  hoped  the  patience  of  the  troops 
would  have  continued,  until  I  could  submit  the  plan  sug- 
gested in  my  letter  of  the  8th,  that  I  might  act  under  and  in 
conformity  to  the  opinion  which  might  then  be  expressed. 
But  my  hope  was  idle ;  the  previously  excited  ardour  seem- 
ed to  have  gained  new  heat  from  the  late  miscarriage ;  the 
brave  were  mortified  to  stop  short  of  their  object,  and  the 
timid  thought  laurels  half  won  by  the  attempt. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  such  was  the  pressure  upon 
me  from  all  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refu- 
sal to  act  might  involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in 
disgrace. 

Lieut.  Col.  Christie,  who  had  just  arrived  it  the  Four 
Mile  Creek,  had  late  in  th3  night  of  the  first  contem- 


! 


mi 


'  ?l 


APPENDIX. 


plated  attack,  gallantly  ofTered  me  his  own  and  his  men*« 
services;  but  he  got  my  permission  too  late.  He  now  again 
came  forward,  had  a  conference  with  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
and  begged  that  he  might  have  tiie  honour  of  a  command 
in  the  expedition.  The  arrangement  was  made.  Col.  Van 
Rensselaer  was  to  command  one  column  of  three  hundred 
militia,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  a  column  of  the  same  nunv- 
ber  of  regular  troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats,  and  the 
most  confidential  and  experienced  men  to  manage  them.  At 
an  early  hour  in  the  night  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  marched  his 
detachment  by  the  rear  road,  from  Niagara  to  camp.  At 
7  in  the  evening,  Lieut.  Col.  Stranahan's  regiment  moved 
from  Niagara  Falls :  at  8  o'clock.  Mead's,  and  at  9,  Lieut. 
Col.  Bloom's  regiment  marched  from  the  same  place.  All 
were  in  camp  in  good  season.  Agreeably  to  my  orders  is- 
sued upon  this  occasion,  the  two  columns  were  to  pass  over 
together  as  soon  as  the  heights  should  be  carried.  Lieut. 
Col.  Fenwick's  flying  artillery  was  to  pass  over;  then 
Major  Mullany's  detichmcnt  of  regulars,  and  the  other 
troops  to  follow  in  order. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  with  great  presence  of  mind,  ordered 
his  officers  to  proceed  with  rapidity,  and  storm  the  fort. 
The  service  was  gallantly  performed,  and  the  enemy  driven 
down  the  hill  in  every  direction.  Soon  after  this,  both  par- 
ties were  considerably  reinforced,  and  the  conflict  was  re- 
newed in  various  places.  Many  of  the  enemy  took  shelter 
behind  a  stone  guard-house,  where  a  piece  of  ordnance  was 
now  briskly  served.  I  ordered  the  fire  of  our  battory  to  be 
directed  upon  the  guardhouse;  and  it  was  so  eflcctually 
done,  that,  with  eiglit  or  ten  shot,  the  fire  was  silenced. 
The  enemy  then  retreated  behind  a  large  store-house ;  but, 
in  a  short  time,  the  rout  became  general,  and  the  enemy's 
fire  was  silenced,  except  from  a  one  gun  battery,  so  far 
down  the  river  as  to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  our  heavy  ord- 
nance, and  our  light  pieces  could  not  silence  it.     A  nunjbor 

6* 


>        lit 


'(        !l 


1  f 


b\ 


I 


tr 


CO 


APPENDIX. 


of  boats  now  passed  over  unannoyed,  except  by  the  one  un- 
sifenced  gun.  For  some  time,  after  I  passed  over,  the  vic- 
tory appeared  complete ;  but,  in  expectation  of  further  at- 
tacks, I  was  taking  measures  for  fortifying  my  camp  imme- 
diately ;  the  direction  of  this  service  I  committed  to  Lieut. 
Totten  of  the  Engineers.  But  '  cry  soon  the  enemy  were 
reinforced  by  a  detachment  of  several  hundred  Indians  from 
Chippewa;  they  commenced  a  furious  attack,  but  were 
promptly  met  and  routed  by  the  rifle  and  bayonet.  By  this 
time,  I  perceived  my  troops  were  embarking  very  slowly.  I 
passed  immediately  over  to  accelerate  their  movements,  but, 
to  my  utter  astonishment,  I  found,  that,  at  the  very  moment 
when  complete  victory  was  in  our  hands,  the  ardour  of  the 
unengaged  troops  had  entirely  subsided.  I  rode  in  all  direc- 
tions; urged  the  men  by  every  consideration  to  pass  over — 
but  in  vain.  Lieut.  Col.  Bloom,  who  had  been  wounded  in 
the  action,  returned,  mounted  his  horse,  and  rode  through 
the  camp,  as  did  also  Judge  Peck,  who  happened  to  be  here, 
exhorting  the  companies  to  proceed — but  all  in  vain. 

At  this  time  a  large  reinforcement  from  Fort  George  was 
discovered  coming  up  the  river.  As  the  battery  on  the 
hill  was  considered  an  important  check  against  tlicir  ascend- 
ing the  heights,  measures  were  immediately  taken  to  send 
them  a  fresh  supply  of  ammunition,  as  I  learned  there  were 
left  only  twenty  shot  for  the  eighteen-pounders.  Tiie  rein- 
j(brcements,  however,  obliqued  to  the  right  from  the  road, 
and  formed  a  junction  with  the  Indians,  in  the  rear  of  the 
heights.  Finding,  to  my  infinite  mortification,  that  no  rcin- 
forcemeni  would  pass  over,  seeing  tliat  another  severe  con- 
flict must  soon  commence,  and  knowing  that  the  bravo  men 
at  the  heights  were  quite  exhausted,  and  nearly  out  of  am- 
munition, all  1  could  do,  was  to  send  them  a  fresh  supply  of 
cartridges.  At  this  critical  moment  I  despatched  a  note  to 
Gen.  Wadsworth,  acquainting  him  with  our  situation,  leav- 
ing the  course  to  be  pursued  much  to  his  own  judgment, 
with  assurance  that,  if  he  thought  best  to  retreat,  I  would 


,1       ii 


T 


APPENDIX. 


67 


endeavour  to  send  ns  many  boats  as  I  could  conimund,  and 
cover  his  retreat,  by  every  fire  I  could  safely  make;  but  the 
boats  were  dispersed ;  many  of  the  boatmen  had  fled  panic 
struck,  and  but  few  got  oflT.  My  note,  however,  could  but 
little  more  than  have  reached  Gen.  W.,  about  4  o'clock, 
when  a  most  severe  and  obstinate  conflict  commenced,  and 
continued  about  half  an  hour,  with  a  tremendous  firo  of  can- 
non, flying  artillery,  and  musketry.  The  enemy  succeeded 
in  repossessing  their  battery,  and  gaining  advantage  on 
every  side.  The  brave  men  who  had  gained  the  victory,  ex- 
hausted of  strength  and  ammunition,  and  grieved  at  the  un- 
pardonable neglect  of  their  fellow-soldiers,  gave  up  the 
conflict. 

/  can  only  add,  that  the  victory  was  really  won,  hut  lost 
for  the  want  of  a  small  reinforcement;  one-third  part  of  the 
idle  men  might  have  saved  all. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c, 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 
Hon.  William  Eustis,  Secretary  of  War. 


Brigadier  General  Alexander  Smylli  to  Major  General  Van  Rcnssclarr. 

Bufftlo,  29th  September,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  been  ordered  by  Major  General  Dearborn  to 
Niagara,  to  take  command  of  a  brigade  of  the  U.  S.  troops ; 
and  directed,  on  my  arrival  in  the  vicinity  of  your  quarters, 
to  report  myself  to  you,  which  I  now  do.  I  intended  to  have 
reported  myself  personally ;  but  the  conclusions  I  have 
drawn  as  to  the  interests  of  tiie  service,  have  determined  me 
to  stop  at  this  place,  for  the  present.  From  the  description  I 
have  had  of  tlie  river  below  the  falls,  the  view  of  the  shore 
below  Fort  Erie,  and  the  information  received  as  to  the 
preparations  of  the  enemy,  I  am  of  o[)inion  that  our  cross- 
ing should  be  effected   between  Fort  Erie  and  Cliippcwa. 

It  has,  therefore,  seemed  to  me  proper  to  encamp  the  U.  S. 
troops  near  Buffalo,  there  to  prepare  for  offensive  operations. 


FT 


1 1 


■  'i; 


68 


APPENDIX. 


Your  instructions,  or  hotter  information,  may  decide  you  to 
give  mo  different  orders,  which  I  will  await. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  General  Alexander  Smyth. 
Head-Cluarters,  Lcwiston,  30ih  September,  1812. 
Sir,— 

On  my  return,  this  moment,  from  Niagara,  I  received 
your  letter  of  yesterday,  advising  me  of  your  arrival  at 
Buffalo,  and  the  encampment,  there,  of  the  United  States 
troops,  in  consequence  of  the  conclusions  you  have  drawn 
that  offensive  operations  against  Upper  Canada  ought  to  be 
attempted  between  Fort  Erie  and  Chippewa.  Nothing  could 
be  more  unpleasant  to  me  than  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to 
the  place  of  commencing  those  operations  in  which  our  own 
characters,  the  fate  of  the  army,  and  the  deepest  interests  of 
our  country  are  concerned.  But,  however  willing  I  may  be, 
as  a  citizen  soldier,  to  surrender  my  opaiion  to  a  professional 
one,  I  can  only  make  such  surrender  to  an  opinion  deliber- 
ately formed  upon  a  view  of  the  whole  ground. 

It  would  have  been  highly  gratifying  to  me.  could  I  have 
had  a  seasonable  opportunity  to  avail  myself  of  the  opinions 
of  the  officers  of  the  United  States  troops,  as  to  the  time, 
place,  and  competent  force  for  the  contemplated  descent. 
But  as  the  season  for  operations  was  far  advanced,  and  cs 
the  counsel  1  wished  was  not  at  command,  it  has  been  the  task 
of  my  own  judgment,  guided  by  the  best  attainable  informa- 
tion to  designate  the  places  for  our  operations.  This  I  had 
some  time  ago  decided  :  and  although,  on  account  of  my 
small   force,  I  have  been  obliged  to  bestow  much  labour  on 

measures  calculated  for  dofeiioe,  in  case  of  an  attack,  still 
have  \  urged,  as  fust  as  possible,  other  local  preparations, 
connected  with  that  mode  of  descent  on  which  I  had  deter- 
mined. My  judgment  may  have  deceived  me,  but  I  shall 
certainly  stand  acquitted  of  a  hasty  decision.     For  many 

knowledge  of  the  banks  of  Ni- 


I 


Bri£ 


yeai 


generi 


'r« 


'      Tl 


APPENDIX. 


60 


have 

mions 

time, 

cent. 

I    OS 

task 

rma- 

lad 

t  my 

ur  on 

,  still 
tlons, 

eter- 

sliall 


ngara  river,  and  of  the  adjacent  country  on  the  Canada  ."liore. 
I  have,  now,  attentively  explored  the  American  side  with 
the  view  of  military  operations ;  comhining,  at  the  same  time, 
a  great  variety  of  circumstances  and  considerations  intimate- 
ly connected,  in  my  opinion,  with  our  object.  So  various 
are  the  opinions,  and  such  the  influence  of  personal  and  lo- 
cal interests  in  this  vicinity,  that  many  circunistances  are  to 
be  carefully  balanced  before  any  correct  conclusions  can  bo 
drawn.  My  decision  has  been  made  with  due  regard  to  all 
tiicse  things,  and  to  the  importtuit  consequcncea  ccunected 
with  it.  All  my  past  measures  have  been  calculated  for  Jiio 
point;  and  I  now  oidy  wait  for  a  competent  force;  n*?  the 
season  of  the  year  and  every  consideration  urges  mc  to  act 
with  promptness,  I  cannot  hastily  listen  to  a  change  of  po- 
sition, necessarily  connected  with  a  new  system  of  measures, 
and  the  very  great  inconvenience  of  the  troops.  I  will  not 
say  that  no  considerations  shall  induce  mo  to  change  my 
plans  of  operations,  but  to  this  I  cannot  yield,  without  very 
weighty  reasons  ;  conclusions  drawn,  at  least,  from  an  atten- 
tive examination  of  the  baidis  of  the  Niagara  river,  and  all 
other  circumstances  connected  with  a  successful  result  of  the 
campaign, 

I  hope  soon  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  here :  and, 
perhaps,  after  conference  and  thorough  cxaminatioii  of  the 
river  and  country,  your  opinion  and  mine,  as  to  the  plans  of 
operations,  may  coincide.  I  trust  we  are  both  open  to  con- 
viction, and  we  have  but  one  object — the  best  interest  of 
the  service. 

I  am,  sir, with  consideration  and  respect,  &c. 
Brigadier  Gen.  Alexander  Smyth,  of  the  United  States  forces,  BufTulo. 

Brigxdier  General  SiWyth,  of  the  U.  S.  Forces,  to  Major  General  Van 

Rensselaer. 


Sir,— 


Camp,  near  Buffulo,  Oct.  2d,  1812. 


I  have  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  of  the 
30th  Sept.,  dated  at  Lewiston.     The  detachments  of  Col 


.:t. 


ir 

If 

k^ 

!;■  f 


70 


APPENDIX. 


ii?! 


it  :' 


*•»  SI 


Winder  and  Col.  Parker  have  arrived.  Tiiey  are  recrulto 
without  clothinff  and  with  little  instruction.  Neither  of  thenti 
have  mt'dicine  chests.  Col.  Winder's  dctachnnent  is  already 
encaiTfipee.  on  an  excellent  piece  of  ground  for  exercise, 
where  Col.  Parker's  will  join  it  to-day.  Col.  Milton's  detach- 
ment will  also  arrive  to  day ;  and  within  a  week  I  expect  the 
other  detachments.  1  have  taken  quarters  at  the  place,  and 
propose  to  devote  six  hours  daily  to  their  instruction,  in  dis- 
cij  'ine  and  evolutions. 

The  delay  of  a  part  until  the  whole  arrive,  cannot,  possi- 
bly, be  inju'rious,  and  any  order  I  may  receive  will  be  obey- 
ed with  alacrity. 

There  has  been  a  mutiny  in  the  5th,  and  a  general  court 
martial  has  become  necessary.  Should  you  deem  it  proper 
to  order  one  to  be  held  at  this  camp,  Col.  Parker  might  pre- 
side, and  the  other  members  be  detached  by  my  Brigade 
Major. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be  very  respectfully,  dec. 

Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  General  Smyth. 

Head-Gluarters,  Lewiston,  5th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Believing  that  an  early  consultation  of  general  offi- 
cers, commandants  of  regiments,  and  corps  on  this  frontier 
will  promote  the  interest  of  the  service,  I  have  to  request  that 
you  will  be  pleased  to  confer  witb  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  on  the 
subject,  and  agree  with  him  upon  the  earliest  day  possible, 
consistent  with  the  business  of  the  court  martial,  and  other 
indispensable  duties,  when  1  can  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing 
you  at  Fort  Niagara  for  the  purpose  above  proposed. 

Of  the  day  agreed  upon,  you  will  please  to  give  me  early 
notice. 

1  am,  &c. 

P.  S.     I  have  written  to  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  to  the  same  pur- 
port. 

Brig.  Gen.  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces. 


ruiW 
them 
eady 
I'cise, 
■tach- 
ct  the 
e,  and 
in  dis- 

possi- 
obey- 

,1  court 

proper 

ht  pre- 

Brigade 

.  &c. 


ylh. 
L  1812. 

Iral  offi- 
f rentier 
lest  that 
on  the 
lossible, 
id  other 
[f  seeing 

le  early 


Inie  pur- 


APPENDIX. 


71 


I 


Sir- 


Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  1^  'ajor  General  Hall. 
(confidential) 

Head-duarters,  Lcwiston,  5th  Oct.,  1812. 
This  letter  was  the  same  as  above. 


Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  llencnl  Smyth,  of  the 

U.  S.  forces. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lcwiston,  6th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Apprehending  that  my  letter  of  y(^sterday,  on  the 
subject  of  the  proposed  conference  at  Niagara,  may  not  have 
been  sufficiently  explicit,  I  deem  it  necessary  to  add,  that 
my  intention  was,  that  Major  General  Hall,  yourself,  and 
the  Commandants  of  the  several  regiments  of  tke  United 
States  /roo;?*,  should  attend  the  conference.  You  will  please 
to  make  the  necessary  communications  to  the  gentlemen  in- 
tended. 

I  am,  &c. 
Brigadier  General  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Hall. 
Same  date  as  above,  and  same  in  form  and  substance, 
except  as  to  extending  the  communications. 

Buffalo,  Oct.  10th,  1812. 
Major  General  Hall  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

(extract.) 
Sir,— 

I  saw  General  Smyth  yesterday :  he  could  not  tell 
the  day  when  he  would  attend  at  Niagara  for  the  consul- 
tation, J 

I  am,  &c. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  General  Smyth. 

Head-Cluarte  "s,  Lewislon,  10th  October,  1812. 
Sir,— 

In  consequence  of  dome  intelligence  recently  receiv- 


i     ! 


i    1*1 
U 


72 


APPENDIX. 


( 


ed,  relative  to  the  force  of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  shore, 
I  shall  this  night  attack  the  enemy's  batteries  on  the  heights 
of  Queenstown.  Should  we  succeed,  I  shall,  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, cross  over  and  intrench. 

Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  this  you  will  please  to  give 
orders  to  all  the  United  States  troops  under  your  command  to 
strike  their  i,ents,  and  march,  with  every  possible  despatch, 
to  this  place. 

With  respect  and  consideration,  &c. 

Brigadier  General  Alex.  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces. 


M  J, 


fm.,i 


1 


Hi! 


' 

1 

U! 

1' 

k-     . 

H    1     ■, 

1  j 

1 

I     ' 

'''it  ■ 

1    ^ 

^tk- 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  General  Smyth. 

Head-Cluartcrs,  Lewiston,  11th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sii,— 

The  object  of  my  order  to  you  yesterday,  to  march 
your  troops  to  this  place,  was  to  support  the  militia  in  an 
attack  upon  the  enemy's  batteries  in  Queenstown,  warranted 
by  information  which  I  had  received,  too  direct  to  be  doubted, 
and  too  favourable  to  be  passed  by  without  an  effort.     But 
the  expedition  has  failed ;  and  the  failure  is  owing  to  some 
circumstames   vitally   connected    with  the  highest  interest 
of  the  service,  but  i;hc  particulars  arc  more  proper  for  the 
subject  of  personal  conference  tlian  fo?   :his  mode  of  commu- 
nication ;  I  shall,  therefore,  reserve  them  until  I  shall  have 
the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  here.     In  the  interim  the  United 
States  troops  under  your  command  will  remain  at  their  en- 
campment, near  Buffalo. 

I  am,  &c. 
Brigadier  General  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces. 

Brigadier  General  Smyth  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Camp,  near  Bufflilo,  12th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
letter  at  ten  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The   badness   of  the  weather    and  roads  harassed  the 


1  " 

1 


APPENDIX. 


m 


troops  yesterday  more  than  can  well  be  conceived.  To- 
moriow  I  expect  ihur  clothing,  and  they  will  wash ;  next 
day  they  might  march,  to  the  number  of  1*2  JO  effective  men, 
but  imperfectly  disciplined.  It  is  said  the  enemy  are  in 
considerable  force  opposite  to  Bluck  Rock  :  and  as  Lieut. 
Cols.  Scott  and  Christie  have  arrived  with  you,  the  time  for 
your  attack  is  favourable — and  may  you  conquer  !  is  my 
prayer. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
Your  most  obedient, 
(Signed)  Alex.  Smyth,  Brig.  General. 

A' ajor  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer.  ,■;.:.•■'    !''■ 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Brigadier  General  Smyth. 


Sir,— 


Head-Q.uai  ters,  Lewiston,  12th  Oct.,  1812. 

.      J  .    .;i  St.  'I'*    ■ 


I  have  this  moment  received  your  letter  of  yesterday. 
To-night  I  shall,  again,  attack  the  enemy's  batteries  on  the 
heights  of  Queenstown;    should  circunistances  render  it  ne- 
cessary to  march  your  brigfide,  I  will  advise  you  to  morrow. 
Lieut.  Col.  Christie  has  arrived  with  boats,  stores,  &c. 

I  am  &c. 
Brigadier  General  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  Forces. 

EXTRACT. 
From  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Njuj-.'  General  Brock. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  17ih  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

In  a  communication  which  I  had  some  time  since  the 
honour  of  receiving  from  Lieut  Col.  Myers,  he  assured  me 
that  it  had  been  the  constant  study  of  the  general  officer, 
commanding  the  British  forces  on  this  line,  to  discountenance, 
by  all  means  in  his  power,  the  warfare  of  sentinels;  yet, 
occurrences  for  some  days  past,  would  warrant  the  pre- 
sumption, that  such  orders  no  longer  exist.  If  so  be  the 
fact,  I  wish  to  be  ascertained  of  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

with  consideration,  &c. 
7 


lit '  i 


'f 


74 


APPENDIX. 


•    ''f 


EXTRACT. 

Prom  Major  General  Brock  to  Major  General  Van  Renssel.ief. 
Head-Cluarters,  Fort  George,  Sept.  17lh,  1812. 

Sir,— 

It  has  been  with  the  utmost  regret,  that  I  have  per- 
ceived, within  these  few  days,  a  very  heavy  firing  from  both 
sides  of  the  river.  I  am,  however,  given  to  understand, 
that  on  all  occasions  it  has  commenced  on  yours ;  and,  from 
the  circumstance  of  the  flag  which  I  did  myself  the  honour 
to  send  over  yesterday  having  been  repeatedly  fired  upon, 
while  in  the  act  of  crossing  the  river,  I  am  inclined  to  give 
full  credit  to  the  correctness  of  the  information.  Without, 
however,  recurring  to  the  past,  you  may  rely  upon  my  re- 
peating my  positive  orders  against  the  continuance  of  a 
practice  which  can  only  be  injurious  to  individuals,  without 
promoting  the  object  which  both  our  nations  may  have  in 
view. 

I  have  the  honour  to  remain, 

with  respect,  &c. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Brock. 

Head-Cluartcrs,  Lcwiston,  20lh  Sept.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

It  was  with  extreme  regret  and  concern  that  I  yester- 
day learned  through  Lieut.  Col.  Myers,  that  in  a  repetition 
of  the  practice  of  firing  between  sentinels,  which  I  have  so 
peremptorily  prohibited,  one  shot  has  proved  fatal  to  a  man 
at  the  Lime  Kilns  on  the  Canada  shore.  Immediately,  on 
receiving  information  of  this  unfortunate  event,  I  caused 
strict  inquiry  to  be  made,  to  the  end,  that  the  offender,  if 
discovered,  might  be  punished  accorou.g  to  his  demerit. 
But  the  result  of  this  inquiry  has  not  furnished  me  with  the 
least  evidence  against  any  man.  I  cannot  ascertain  that 
a  single  gun  has  been  fired,  at,  or  near  the  place  from 
whence  the  shot  was  supposed  to  have  been  thrown. 


T 


APPENDIX. 


76 


That  these  firings  have  been  repeatedly  commenced  on 
both  sides,  is  not  to  be  questioned :  the  fact  is  established, 
by  the  testimony  of  officers  whose  rank  and  character,  in 
both  armies,  utterly  precludes  all  doubt.  It  is  a  circum- 
stance, which,  in  this  explanation,  ought  not  to  be  omitted, 
that  there  may  be,  on  both  sides  the  river, — there  certainly 
is  reason  to  believe  there  are  on  this  side — persons  not  un- 
der immediate  command  in  either  army,  who,  occasionally, 
approach  the  river,  discharge  their  pieces,  at  the  sentries, 
and  then  escape  unobserved  in  their  reireats,  while  the  fire, 
thus  begun,  is  returned  upon  an  unoffending  sentinel.  I 
have  caused  patrols  to  be  sent  out  to  take  such  persons,  but 
without  success. 

I  can  only  repeat,  sir,  that  I  deeply  regret  the  unfortunate 
occurrence  which  has  happened ;  that  my  orders  against  the 
practice  which  has  occasioned  it  have  been  most  peremptory : 
my  efforts  to  enforce  them  are  unremitting,  and  every  at- 
tempt to  convict  any  one  of  disobedience,  as  yet,  is  unavailing. 
With  consideration  and  high  respect, 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

Major  General  Brock,  Fort  George. 

From  Major  General  Isaac  Brock  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
Head-duarters,  Fort  George,  23d  Sept.,  1812. 

Sir,— 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  the  twen<  3th  instant.  I  never  doubted  for  a 
moment  that  the  firing  from  your  side  of  the  river,  upon  in- 
dividuals, was  contrary  to  your  intentions,  and  in  violation  of 
your  orders,  and  I  beg  leave  to  repeat,  that  every  effort 
shall  be  made  on  my  part  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of  such 
acts  of  insubordination,  on  this  side. 

I  have  the  honour  ,o  be, 

with  very  great  respect,  &o. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 


Xi 


,1 


I 
t 

1 1- 


r 


!l    ! 


hti  ! 


IM 


m 


J 


76 


APPENDTt:. 


I 


m 


1 1 


'  if'M 


ill 


t^h 


S  •! ..' 


I!' 


Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Brock. 

Ilead-Cluart'',rs,  Lewiston,  13th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

Humanity  induces  me  to  request  your  permission  to 
send  to  Queenstown  some  surgeons  to  attend  the  officers  and 
men  who  have  had  the  misfortune  to  be  wounded  this  day, 
and  are  prisoners  at  Queenstown. 

Agreeably  to  the  proposition  which  I  had  this  afternoon 
the  honour  to  receive,  as  coming  from  you,  I  have  agreed  to 
a  cessation  of  firing  for  three  days. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Isaac  Erock. 

Major  General  Sheaffe  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
,    ,,.,,,  ,  ,.,     •  •    Fort  George,  13lh  Oct.,  1812. 

Sir, —  "     

I  lose  not  a  moment  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of 
your  letter  of  this  date,  and  am  pi -ased  to  learn,  at  the  same 
time,  that  the  officer  commanding  at  Queenstown,  having 
opened  it,  had  acceded  to  your  proposal  of  sending  surgeons 
to  aid  the  wounded  prisoners,  without  incurring  the  delay 
which  would  have  been  occasioned  by  a  reference  tome; 
but,  as  our  means  of  affording  assistance  to  them,  as  well  as 
to  our  own  wounded,  may  be  inadequate,  I  beg  leave  to  pro- 
pose that  the  wounded  prisoners,  whose  cases  may  admit  of 
removal,  should  be  sent  over  to  you,  on  condition  of  not  serv- 
ing again,  until  regularly  exchanged. 

Though  the  proposition  which  I  had  the  honour  of  making 
to  you  to-day,  did  not  go  to  the  extent  which,  by  some  mis- 
take, you  were  led  to  suppose,  yet  I  readily  concur  with 
you  in  agreeing  to  a  cessation  of  firing  for  three  days,  and  1 
transmit  orders  to  that  effect  to  the  officers  commanding  at 
the  several  posts  on  this  line. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c.  '»  .      •*• 

Major  General  Van  Rensgelaer,  ccmmanding  l^ewiston. 


uniiii.vu 


f 


nn 


APPENDIX. 


77 


Major  General  Sheaffe  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Fort  George,  16th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

I  have  heard  with  great  regret,  that  Col.  Van 
Rensselaer  is  badly  wounded.  If  there  be  any  thing  at  my 
command,  that  your  side  of  the  river  cannot  furnish,  which 
would  be  either  useful  or  agreeable  to  him,  1  bog  that  you 
will  be  so  good  as  to  have  me  apprised  of  it. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  with  much  esteem, 
Your  very  devoted  servant, 

R.  H.  Sheaffe. 

Major  General  Sheaffe  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Fort  George,  16th  Oct.,  1812. 
Sir,— 

As  the  period  assigned  to  the  cessation  of  hoslilities 
is  drawing  to  a  termination ;  and  the  intended  exchange  of 
prisoners  and  sending  over  the  wounded  and  the  militia  will 
require  much  more  time  than  remains  of  it ;  and  as,  more- 
over, part  of  this  day  is  to  be  devoted  to  paying  the  last 
offices  of  humanity  to  the  remains  of  my  departed  friend  and 
General,  I  feel  it  to  be  my  duty  to  propose  a  prolongation  of 
the  armistice  to  such  a  period  as  may  be  necessary  for  the 
complete  execution  of  those  humane  purposes.     Lists  are 
prepared  for  all  the  prisoners  here,  distinguishing  those  of 
the  line  from  militia ;  and  Brigade  Major  Evans,  who  has 
been  appointed  by  me  to  arrange  the  business  with  Capt. 
Dox,  will  be  ready  to  proceed  in  it,  as  soon  as  that  officer 
comes  over. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Sheaffe. 

Head-Ctuarters,  Lewiston,  OcU  16th,  1812. 
Sir,-- 

I  have  this  moment  had  the  honour  to  receive  your 

7* 


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AMpENtJli. 


two  letters  of  tho  present  date,  I  most  cheerrully  agree  to 
extend  the  cessation  of  hostilities  for  a  time  amply  sufficient 
to  discliargo  all  duties  of  humanity  to  the  brave  who  are 
wounded,  or  prisoners  ;  and  the  just  tribute  of  respect  to  the 
gallant  dead.  For  these  purposes  I  agree  to  the  further 
cessation  of  hostilities,  until  4  o'clock  of  the  afternoon  of  the 
19th  instant.  '       "  ' 

I  shall  order  a  sahitc  for  the  funeral  of  General  Brock  to 
be  fired  here,  and  at  Fort  Niagara,  this  afternoon. 

You  will  please  to  accept,  sir,  the  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and  myself^  for  your  kind 
offer  of  any  thing  in  your  power  which  might  contribute  to 
to  his  comfort.  1  do  not  know  that  he  is  at  present  destitute 
of  any  thing  essential. 

As  this,  sir,  is  probably  the  last  communication  I  shall 
have  the  honour  to  make  to  you  from  this  station,  I  avail 
myself  of  the  opportunity  to  tender  you  the  assurance  of  my 
great  esteem  and  consideration. 

Major  General  Sheaffe  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 


Fort  George,  16lh  Oct.,  1812. 


Sir,— 


I  feel  too  strongly  the  generous  tribute  which  you 
propose  to  pay  to  my  departed  friend  and  chief  to  be  able 
to  express  the  sense  1  entertain  of  it.  Noble-minded  as  he 
was,  so  would  he  have  done  himself. 

1  have  directed  the  prolongation  of  the  armistice  until 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  19th  instant,  to  be  com- 
municated along  this  line.       •  /    ,,  I 

I  feel  a  perfect  confidence,  sir,  that  nothing  will  be  omitted 
on  your  part  to  ensure  a  strict  execution  of  the  agreement 
respecting  the  militia  officers  and  men,  as  well  as  any  others 
not  yet  exchanged,  who  are  released  from  their  captivity. 

Allow  me,  sir,  to  express  a  hope  that  the  time  is  not  far 
distant  when  the  restoration  of  peace  and  amity  between  our 


Tin 


APPENDIi. 

respective  countries,  may  afford  me  an  opportunity  of  assur- 
ing you,  personally,  of  the  respect  and   esteem  with  which 
1  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir. 

Your  most  obedient  and  devoted  servant, 
R.  H.  Sheaffe,  Maj.  General,  &c. 
Maj.  General  Van  Rensselaer. 


Sir,- 


Ilcad-Cluarters,  Fort  Washington,  May  26th,  1797. 


You  are,  this  day,  to  cross  the  Ohio  river,  with  your 
troop,  and  to  commence  your  march  for  Knoxville,  in  the 
state  of  Tennessee,  without  one  moment's  unnecessary  delay. 

You  will  proceed  by  easy  marches,  on  the  most  convenient 
road  for  Fort  Blount,  on  the  Cumberland  river.  Should  you 
discover  on  your  approach  to,  or  arrival  at  this  place,  that 
the  Indians  are  hostilely  disposed,  you  are  to  fall  back,  either 
to  Nashville,  or  take  some  intermediate  secure  position, 
where  your  cavalry  can  be  well  subsisted,  and  wait  the  ar- 
rival of  Lieut.  Col.  Commandant  Butler,  whose  orders  you 
are  to  receive. 

But  should  you  find  the  Indians  in  a  state  of  tranquillity, 
you  will  proceed  on  to  Knoxville,  with  due  military  precau- 
tion and  on  your  arrival  there,  will  report  to  the  senior  offi- 
cer on  that  station,  and  require  quarters  and  subsistence  for 
your  men  and  horses,  where  you  are  to  wait  the  arrival  of 
Col.  Butler,  unless  otherwise  disposed  of  under  the  authority 
of  the  president. 

Wishing  you  an  agreeable  tour,  I  remain  with  much 
friendship,  your  obedient  servant, 

,  •:  Ja.  Wilkinson,  B.  G.,  &c. 

Captain  Van  Rensselaer.  '  •     •     ' 

New- York,  August  8th,  1800. 
Dear  sir, — 

Major  Rensselaer,  who  was  eldest  captain  of  dra- 
goons before  the  late  augmentation  of  the  army,  was,  under 
that  augmentation  promoted  to  a  major.     He  has  some  time 


"1 


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80 


APPENDIX. 


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since  devoted  himself  to  military  affairs,  as  a  professor  for 
life,  and  is  unwilling  to  quit.  For  my  part  I  have  conceived 
there  was  a  discretion  in  the  president  on  this  subject,  which 
may  be  exercised  in  favour  of  the  major.  A  field  officer  for 
the  cavalry  appears  to  me  in  every  view  proper.  For  the 
charactor  of  Major  A^an  Rensselaer,  as  an  officer,  I  refer 
you  to  Gen.  Wilkinson,  with  whom  he  served.  The  inquiry 
1  know  will  result  greatly  in  his  favou**,  and  as  a  man,  there 
is  none  moro  worthy  :  he  is  a  kinsman  of  Mrs.  Hamilton. 

With  esteem  and  regard, 

A.  Hamilton,  Secretary  of  War. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  General  Wilkinson  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

City  of  Washington,  August  9th,  1800. 
General  Hamilton  warmly  recommends  the  retention 
of  Major  Van  Rensselaer  in  service ;  but  I  fear  the  ground 
he  takes  is  not  tenable,  though  the  circumstance  is  undoubt- 
edly essential  to  the  service,  and  is  devoutly  to  be  desired,  as 
the  major  is  a  gem  worthy  preservation.  A  squadron  of 
cavalry  without  a  leader,  is  an  unseemly  thing ;  and  not  un- 
like a  body  without  a  head,  from  which  much  good  cannot  be 
expected. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer's  pretensions  to  patronage  are  pecu- 
liarly strong.  On  the  20th  August,  1794,  he  received  a  shot 
through  his  lungs,  at  the  head  of  the  troop.  At  the  reduc- 
tion of  the  then  army,  he  continued  in  service,  and  on  the 
levy  of  the  late  contingent  force  he  was  taken  from  his  troop 
and  promoted  to  a  majority.  The  disbanding  this  force  has, 
I  fear,  thrown  him  out  of  service,  unless  you  may  judge 
proper  to  retain  him  on  the  ground  of  expediency,  until  the 
president  or  legislature  may  be  consulted.  Certain  it  is, 
he  is  essential  to  the  formation  and  discipline  of  the  squad- 
ron,  which,  without  a  chief,  presents  an  original  spectacle. 


Sir,— 


Albany,  19th  Nov.,  1800. 


Whether  a  major  for  the  cavalry  of  United  States 


II 


APPENDIX. 


81 


should  be  retained  in  service,  is  a  question  on  which  it  would 
not  be  proper  for  rnc  to  make  any  remarks. 

But  if  it  should  be  deemed  expedient,  that  such  an  officer 
should  be  retained,  I  take  the  liberty  of  informing  you,  that, 
from  what  I  have  heard  and  know  of  Major  Solomon  Van 
Rensselaer,  who  wishes  to  devote  himself  to  the  military  pro- 
fession, I  really  think  he  merits  the  attention  of  government. 

His  qualifications  and  conduct  as  an  officer  have  probably 
been  made  known  to  you  by  Gen.  Wilkinson  and  others. 
His  character  here  as  a  citizen  and  a  gentleman,  attracts 
general  esteem  :  and  for  my  own  part,  I  consider  him  as  one 
of  the  most  valuable  and  promising  young  men  that  I  know. 
1  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
Sir,  )  our  most  obedient  servant, 

John  Jay. 

The  Honourable  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Secretary  at  War. 


4:, 


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APPENDIX,  No.  Ill 


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<S<a/c  of  New-  York, 

GENERAL  ORDERS. 
Iload  Quarters,  Albaiiy,  July  13th,  1812. 
Mnjor  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  having  been  re- 
quested to  repair  to  the  command  of  the  militia  heretofore 
ordered  into  the  service,  and  to  be  hereafter  ordered  into  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  for  the  defence  of  the  northern 
and  western  frontiers  of  this  state,  between  St.  Regis  and 
Pennsylvania,  enters  upon  his  command  this  day. 

All  the  militia  comprehoided  in  the  brigades  of  detached 
militia  organized  into  the  first  detached  division,  by  general 
orders  of  the  eighteenth  day  of  June  last,  together  with  the 
corps  commanded  by  Lieut.  Cols  Swift,  Flemming,  and  Bel- 
linger, are  hereby  declared  to  be  subject  to  the  division  orders 
of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  without  waiting  for 
further  general  orders  upon  that  subject ;  and  all  officers 
commanding  the  militia,  from  which  the  first  detached  divis- 
ion was  taken  are  promptly  to  obey  and  respect  such  division 
orders  accordingly. 

By  order  of  the  commander  in  chief^ 

Wm.  S.  Wilkin,  Aid-de-camp,  p.  t. 

Head-duarters,  Niagara,  Aug.  13lh,  1812. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  having  been  appointed  to 
the  command  of  the  troops  on  the  northern  and  western 
frontiers  of  this  Slate,  announces  his  arrival.  Having  as- 
sumed this  command,  the  general  assures  the  officers  and 
soldiers,  that,  as  on  their  part  he  will  require  prompt  obe- 
dience to  orders,  and  strict  discipline,  so  from  him  they  may 


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APPENDIX. 


expect  his  unremitting  exortions  to  render  tlieir  situations  at 
all  times  us  eligible  as  posnible ;  and  when  their  exertions 
shall  bo  culled  for  aguinst  the  enemy,  he  trusts  with  confi- 
dence thut  they  will  be  such  us  will  redound  to  the  honour 
of  the  troops,  und  the  stjrvicc  of  the  country. 

The  troops  at  Lewistoii  will  ho  reviewed  and  inspected  at 
10  o'clock  to-morrow ;  for  that  purpose,  blank  returns  will 
be  furnished. 

An  accurate  inspection  return  will  be  made  out  by  the 
commanding  oificers  of  coirjpnnies.  who  are  to  account  for 
their  men,  arms,  and  accoutrements :  in  their  returns,  they 
will  note  the  deficiencies  of  arms  or  accoutrements,  to  the 
end  thai  measures  may  bo  adopted  to  obtain  supplies  from 
the  proper  departments. 

liy  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Uensselaeii,  Aid-decamp. 

Head  dunrtcrs,  Lcwiston,  ICih  Aug.,  1812. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

Major  General  Hall  will  please  to  order  the  troops  in  the 
vicinity  of  Niagara  Falls,  to  repair  to  Lewiston  as  soon  as 
as  may  bo  convenient,  resiv-^ng  a  necessary  guard  at  that 
place  until  it  shall  be  relieved  by  a  detachment  from  Lieut. 
Col.  Swift's  regiment.  The  court-martial  whereof  Briga- 
dier General  Wadsworth  is  President,  will  adjourn  to  head- 
quarters, and  there  finish  the  business  before  them. 

The  troops  between  Lewiston  and  Fort  Niagara  will,  with 
their  baggage,  march  to-morrow  morning  at  10  o'clock,  to 
Lewiston,  leaving  guards  at  the  places  heretofore  occupied 
for  watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy.  The  quarter- 
master will  furnisli  the  necessary  transportation. 

Lieut.  Col.  Swift  will  furnish  small  guards  of  observation, 
from  Buffalo  to  the  Falls  of  Niagara  inclusive.     They  are 
to  communicate  to  the   General  in  Chief  by  runners,  any 
movements  of  the  enemy,  with  all  possible  despatch. 
By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 


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84 


APPENDIX. 


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Head'Q,uarter8,  Lewiston,  18th  Aug.  1813. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

Major  General  Dearborn  having  communicated,  that, 
agreeably  to  an  arrangement  made  between  liim  and  the 
Governor  General  of  Canada,  through  his  A^'jiitant  General, 
all  hostilities  botween  the  troops  on  either  side  should  be 
suspended  until  further  orders.  Mujor  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer directs  the  officers  and  soldiers  under  his  command, 
strictly  t  conform  to  this  arrangement;  and  if  any  of  the 
troops  have  the  hardihood  to  fire  on  the  enemy,  they  will  be 
punished  accordingly. 

Lieut.  Col  Swift  will  order  under  arrest  Capt.  Dogherty 
of  his  regiment,  for  absenting  himself  from  his  company; 
and  will  investigate  the  cause  of  the  firing  of  a  field  piece  at 
Black  Rock,  on  ths  opposite  shore ;  and  by  whom,  and  re- 
port the  facts  to  the  ?Jajor  General  witiiout  delay. 
Py  order  of  Mujor  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaek,  Aid-de-camp. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewislon,  lOtli  Aug,.  1812. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

Countersign,  parole.  .  . 

Officer  of  the  day  to-morrow,  Lt.  Col.  Dobbins. 
Adjutant,  G.  L.  Dox. 

The  Major  General  directs  t.;dt  the  following  regulationb 
shall  be  observed  by  the  troops  under  his  command : — 

The  reveille  wdi  be  boat  at  day -break  when  Ovcry 
officer  and  soldier  will  appear  on  parade,  and  the  compa- 
nies bo  exercised  by  their  respective  commanding  officers  for 
one  hour,  and  the  like  time  at  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon; 
and  by  battalions,  on  Tuesdays  and  Fridays  of  each  week, 
at  the  company  and  batt'ilion  parades.  The  field  officers 
will  attend  anc*  sup'^rintend  the  manoeuvres  of  their  corps. 
The  troop  will  beat  at  9  o'clock,  A .  M.,  and  the  retreat  at 


' 


APPENDIX.  m 

6  o'clock,  p.  M.,  v'lien  the  line  will  be  formed  for  roll-call ; 
the  music  will  tak3  their  post  on  the  right  of  the  regiments, 
and  not  on  the  right  of  companies.  On  those  occasions,  the 
dress  o**  tiie  officers  and  soldiers  is  to  be  clean,  and  their 
armr.  and  accoutrements  bright  and  in  perfect  order.  The 
Major  General  flatters  himself  that  the  troops  will  vie  with 
each  other  in  the  cleanliness  of  iheir  dress,  rs  well  as  their 
soldier-like  and  orderly  conduct,  when  on,  or  oifduty.  The 
corps  which  shall  distinguish  itself  for  orderly  conduct  and 
discipline,  shall  be  reported  by  the  Major  General  to  the 
Commandt  •  in  Chief;  and  every  refractory  ofliccr  or  sol- 
dier sliall  be  dealt  with  as  the  law  and  the  usages  of  armies 
point  out:  for  as  they  are  called  upon  by  their  country  to 
defend  it,  and  paid  for  their  services,  it  is  expected  that 
•♦  everi/  man  will  do  his  fluti/,^'  for  on  that  the  lives  of  the 
troops,  the  honour  and  success  of  the  enterprises  in  which, 
in  all  probability,  they  will  shortly  be  engaged,  will  depend. 

The  tattoo  wdl  be  beat  at  9  o'clock,  when  the  men  will 
retire  to  their  tents,  and  the  sentinels  begin  to  challenge. 

Two  captains,  and  two  subaltern  guards  will  be  mounted 
daily ;  one  captain's  guara  will  take  post  on  the  front,  and 
one  in  the  rear  of  the  camp ;  and  the  subalterns  on  each 
flank.  The  guards  will  bo  sufficiently  strong  to  form  a 
chain  of  sentinels  round  the  camp:  and  they  will  be  aug- 
mented, or  diminished  as  occasion  may  require.  The  guards 
will  assemble  on  the  grand  parade,  at  half  past  9  o'clock, 
when  they  will  be  formed  by  the  major  of  brigade  and 
marched  otf  precisely  at  10  o'clock.  A  portion  of  the  mu- 
sic of  the  line  will  attend  and  do  duty  until  the  guards  are 
marched  off  to  their  ••espective  pickets.  The  adjutants 
will  march  the  men  dctaclied  froii^  the  respective  regiments, 
for  this  service,  to  the  grand  parade,  and  will  be  responsible 
for  the  soldier  like  appearance  of  the  men,  arms,  and  accou- 
trements. Each  man  of  the  guard  will  be  furt.ished  with 
twenty-four  rounds  of  fixed  cartridges :  their  pieces  will  be 

8 


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APPENDIX. 


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loaded  after  sunset;  and  when  the  guards  are  relieved,  they 
will  return  to  the  grand  parade,  from  whence  they  will  be 
marched  in  a  body,  by  the  officer  of  the  day,  to  some  conve- 
nient spot,  where  their  pieces  will  be  disjcharged  at  a  target, 
of  the  size  of  a  dollar,  at  one  hundred  yards  distance.  And 
on  all  other  occasions  firing  is  strictly  prohibited,  unless  it  be 
by  the  sentinels,  at  night,  to  give  the  alarm. 

The  officer  of  the  day  will  be  taken  from  the  regimental 
field  officers ;  whose  duty  it  shall  be,  to  visit  the  guards 
and  sentinels  three  times  in  the  course  of  the  day  and  three 
times  at  night ;  to  regulate  the  guards,  to  see  that  they  are 
vigilant  and  in  soldier-like  order;  for  on  their  alertness  the 
lives  of  the  men  and  the  safety  of  the  army  depend. 

The  officers  are  strictly  enjoined  to  attend  to  t^  r;  .  ii- 
ness  of  their  men;  they  must  frequently  visit  their  tents,  and 
examine,  the  situation  of  them.  On  the  faithful  performance 
df  this  djty  depend  the  lives  and  health  of  the  troops. 

The  commanding  officers  of  regiments  and  corps  will 
cause  two  vaults,  or  sinks,  to  be  dug  in  the  rear  of  each  com- 
pany, at  least  one  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  the  rear 
tents,  in  a  line  parallel  to  the  tents :  and  if  any  soldier  shall 
be  found  to  leave  excrement  in  any  other  place  within  the 
line  of  sentinels,  he  will  b^  punished. 

The  ground  in  front  and  rear  of  the  tent  is  to  be  levelled 
and  cleared  by  the  respective  companies.  The  Brigade  Ma- 
jor will  direct  the  Adjutants  to  cause  the  music,  when  not  or 
duty,  to  practise  the  different  calls  and  marches. 

The  Court  Martial,  whereof  Brigadier  General  Wads- 
worth  was  appointed  President,  will  meet  to-morrow  morn- 
ing at  ten  o'clock,  for  the  trial  of  such  prisoners  as  may  be 
brought  before  them.  General  Wadsworth  will  please  to 
make  the  necessary  arrangements,  and  meet  in  such  place 
&6  he  may  think  convenient. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  R£nss£laer,  Aid-de-Camp. 


APPENDIX. 


87 


mp. 


Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston^  August  22d,   1812. 
GENERAL   ORDERS. 

Parole. 

Countersign, 

Officer  of  the  day  to-morrow, 
Adjutant, 

It  is  painful  to  the  Major  General  to  find  that  so«ie  part 
of  the  troops  are  so  regardless  of  their  duty  as  to  disobey 
the  orders  issued  for  preventing  scattering  firing  in  and  about 
the  camp.  This  dangerous  and  disgraceful  practice  is  once 
more,  and  for  the  last  time,  prohibited.  If  any  man  of  the 
line  (the  guards  and  sentinels  excepted)  shall,  after  this, 
discharge  his  fire-arms  without  orders,  he  will  be  instantly 
confined  ;  and  ihe  field  and  company  officers  arc  strictly 
enjoined  to  enforce  this  order. 

The  Major  General  regrets  that  he  is  compelled  to  re- 
mind the  officers  under  his  command  of  the  necessity  of  be- 
ing in  camp  at  night :  for  if  they  will  be  regardless  of  their 
duty,  what  can  be  expected  of  their  men  by  such  an  exam- 
ple? They  are,  in  future,  directed  to  be  at  night  in  their 
tents,  unless  otherwise  ordered;  and  in  perfect  readiness,  at 
any  moment,  to  commence  or  repel  an  attack,  to  which 
troops  in  the  face  of  an  enemy  are  at  all  times  liable. 

The  olficers  and  troops  meet  with  the  perfect  approba- 
tion of  the  Major  General,  for  their  alertness  in  parading  at 
reveille;  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  companies,  which 
were  not  this  morning  on  parade,  and  the  captain  of  one 
company  not  in  camp.  But  let  him  beware  for  the  future ; 
if  caution  and  remonstrance  will  avail  nothing,  more  decisive 
measures  shall. 

To-morrow  being  the  Sabbath,  the  guards  will  not  dis- 
charge their  pieces  until  Monday,  after  roll-call ;  and  this 
regulation  will  be  observed  until  further  orders. 

Py  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sql.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-Camp, 


i;s 


88 


APPENDIX. 


Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  August  28lh,  1812. 


'^\ 


% 


I  • 


Jh 


I .' 


f'^  %  I 


ii 


i  ' 


GENERAL    ORDERS. 

The  army  under  th3  command  of  Bri^ndier  Genera! 
Hull  has  surrendered  at  Detroit.  This  is  a  national  disaster; 
but  ii  is  the  duty  o^  soldiers  to  turn  even  disasters  to  profit. 
To  this  end  the  General  calls  upon  the  troops  under  his  com- 
mand to  make  every  eflbrt  in  perfecting  that  discipline  on 
which  they  must  rely  for  their  own  safety  and  for  their 
country's  honour,  in  that  crisis  wiiich  mny  be  fust  approach- 
'"^  The  General  is  persuaded  that  Americans  know  the 
ii..'  .'.ble  rights  which  they  enjoy;  and  he  confidently 
trusL-.,  hat  their  bravery  to  defend  is  in  proportion  to  th© 
knowledge  they  possess  of  those  rights. 

The  troops  will  be  exercised  at  reveille,  and  from  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  two  hours  instead  of  one,  as  men- 
tioned in  general  orders  of  the  10th  instant. 

Capt.  Dogherty  and  Lieut.  Hewit,  of  Lieut.  Col.  Swifl's 
regiment,  are  released  from  tlieir  arrests,  and  will  return  to 
their  duty.  This  renewed  instance  of  clemency  of  the  Ma- 
jor General,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  properly  appreciated  by 
them  :  it  is  not  his  wish  to  punish,  but  orders  must  and  shall 
be  obeyed. 

The  unhealthy  state  of  the  troops  under  the  command  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Swift,  at  Black  Rock,  renders  particular  atten- 
tion to  them,  and  to  t'lio  causes  of  their  maladies,  neccssnry. 
For  this  purpose  Doctor  Brown  will  absociate  with  him  Doc- 
tor Daniel  Chipman ;  and  they  will  proceed,  without  delay, 
to  that  place,  and  make  full  inquiry  into  the  situation  of  the 
sick,  the  causes  which  have  produced  the  diseases,  and  the 
manner  in  which  they  have  been  treated  ;  of  all  which  they 
will  make  report,  in  writing,  to  the  Major  General ;  suggest- 
ing the  best  mode,  in  their  opinion,  to  restore  those  who  are 
sick,  and  preserve  the  health  of  the  well. 

These,  and  all  other  orders,  are  to  be  read  by  the  Adju- 
tants to  the  troops  under  the  comniand  of  the  Major  Genera} 


AFPENDHC. 


80. 


The  Commanding  Officers  of  regiments  and  corps  will  give 
orders  accordingly. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-Camp. 


Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  29th  Aug.,  1812* 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

The  Major  General  is  gratified  with  the  attention  which 
is  paid  by  the  officers  to  the  health  of  the  men.  Striking 
the  t^nts,  as  has  been  this  morning  done,  will  in  a  great  mea- 
sure prevent  disease  among  the  troops :  and  the  General  re- 
commends that  it  bo  done  as  often  as  occasion  may  require, 
and  that  cleanliness  be  observed,  in  every  particular,  by  the 
individuals  of  the  army ;  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  the 
preservation  of  health.  It  is  particularly  enjoined  on  those 
who  have  charge  of  the  few  sick,  in  this  camp  and  the  hos- 
pital, to  see  that  they  are  well  supplied  with  every  thing 
necessary  for  their  accommodation,  and  that  expert  and  faith- 
ful nurses  are  provided  to  attend  them. 

On  this  occasion  the  General  cannot  refrain  from  express- 
ing his  satisfaction  at  the  attention  of  the  officers  in  general 
to  their  duty,  and  the  orderly  conduct  of  the  soldiers  in  obey- 
ing orders:  such  cheerful  and  soldier-like  behaviour  is  to 
bim  a  pleasing  presage  of  what  he  has  to  expect  from  them 
in  the  hour  "  which  will  try  men's  souls." 

To  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  7th  brigade,  and  to 
the  Colonels  of  the  Ifcth  and  20lh  regiments,  the  General 
tenders  his  acknowledgment?,  for  their  strict  attention  to  the 
discipline  of  the  troops  and  the  preservation  of  their  health. 
By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

iCoL.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-Camp« 

Head  Gluarters,  Lewiston,  4th  Sept.,  1812. 
GENERAL   ORDERS. 

The  Major  General  announces  to  the  troops,  that,  agree^ 

8  * 


90 


APPENDIX. 


Ir 


¥i 


i 


able  to  an  order  received  from  Major  General  Dearborn,  tlie 
armistice  entered  into  between  liim  and  the  Governor  Gene- 
ral of  Upper  and  Lower  Canada  will  be  terminated  at  twelve 
o'clock,  at  noon,  on  the  eighth  day  of  Septembor  instant. 

The  troops  under  his  command  will,  however,  understand, 
explicitly,  that  they  are  not  to  act  offensively  without  previ- 
ous orders  from  him ;  but  to  be  vigilant  in  their  duty,  and 
ready  to  execute  any  command  they  may  receive  when  a 
proper  occasion  presents  itself. 

The  troops  will  strike  their  tents  to-morrow  morning  at 
reveille :  the  tents,  tent-poles,  and  baggage,  will  be  packed 
up,  ready  to  move,  in  one  hour  from  that  time.  The  Quarter 
Master  will  measure  the  space  necessary  for  a  double  row 
of  tents  for  each  company,  and  furnish  the  necessary  trans- 
portation. 

A  fatigue  party,  of  a  sergeant,  corporal,  and  twelve  men, 
will  attend  at  the  same  time  at  head  quarters. 

By  order  of  the  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-Camp. 

Head-Cluarters,  Lewiston,  9th  Sept.,  1812. 
GENERAL  ORDERS. 

Lieut.  Col.  Bloom  will  march  immediately  to  the  neighs 
bourhood  of  Niagara  Falls  and  relieve  the  guards  of  the  de- 
tachment of  United  States'  troops,  under  the  command  of 
Major  Mullany,  by  his  regiment.  The  Commandmg  Officer 
of  this  detachment,  after  being  relieved  by  Lieut.  Col.  Bloom, 
will  march  with  the  troops  under  his  command,  without  de- 
lay, and  join  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  and  is  to  be  subject  to  hia 

orders. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-d^mp, 

Head  Cluarters,  Lewiston,  6th  Sept.,  1812. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

Lieut.  Col.  George  Flemming,  Commanding  Fort  Oswego, 


APPENDIX. 


01 


having  assigned  Walter  Cotton  as  Surgeon  of  Major  Charles 
Moselcy's  battJiIion  of  riflumen,  the  Major  General  confirma 
that  assignment,  and  orders  that  Doctor  Cotton  do  dut)  ac- 
cordingly, in  that  corps,  until  further  orders. 

Major  General  Hall  will  please  to  take  command  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Swift's  regiment,  and  the  detachment  of  troops 
ordered  out  by  Brigadier  Gen.  Hopkins,  and  make  such  dis- 
position of  this  force,  us  the  security  of  the  frontiers  may  re- 
quire ;  and  will  make  weekly  reports  to  Major  General  Van 
Rensselaer.  Major  General  Hall  will  please  to  bear  in 
mind,  that  all  permits,  for  any  persons  to  pass  into  Canada, 
are  to  be  obtained  only  from  Major  General  Van  Rensse- 
laer. 

Lieut.  Col.  Bloom  will  make  morning  reports  of  the  regi. 
ment  under  his  command,  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
and  will  cause  Mr.  Rolph,  the  prisoner,  to  be  delivered  to 
Major  General  Hall  at  Black  Rock. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 


Ilead-duarters,  Lewiston,  September  15lh,  1812. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

The  Quarter  Master  General  and  the  Contractor  will  fur- 
nish, on  the  order  of  Doctor  Brown,  hospital  surgeon,  the 
necessary  supplies  for  the  sick  in  camp,  and  the  hospital  : 
To  Doctor  Brown,  the  surgeon  of  regiments,  and  corps  will 
apply,  for  supplies  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  tho 
sick  under  their  care ;  and  they  are  strictly  enjoined  to  at- 
tend faithfully  to  the  sick  of  the  Regiments  and  corps,  to 
which  they  are  assigned,  whether  the  sick  are  in  the  camp, 
or  hospital. 

The  Quarter  Master  General  will  furnish  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  straw,  for  the  accc/iimodation  of  the  troops,  in 
the  camp  and  barracks :  he  will  also  furnish  forage  for  the 
dragoons,  and  other  public  horses,  and  cause  the  horses  of 


n 


93 


APPENDIX. 


I: 


1,  ' 


H; 


) 


'd     ',: 


m- 


Captain  Camp's  troop  of  volunteer  cavalry  to  be  appraised 
as  the  law  directs,  without  delay. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick,  the  Quarter  Master  General,  and  the 
Commissary  of  military  stores  on  this  frontier  will,  without 
delay,  make  returns  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  of 
all  the  public  property  of  every  description  under  their 
c  harge. 

By  order  of  Mnjor  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 

Ilead-duartcrs,  Lewiston,  September  19th,  1812. 
GDNERAL  ORDERS. 

The  Major  General  calls  the  attention  of  the  officers  to 
the  41st,  4'2d,  43d,  44th,  45th,  46th,  and  53d  articles  of  war, 
and  directs  that  they  shall  be  read  to  the  troops  ;  if  any  offi- 
cer or  soldier,  has  the  hardihood  to  violate  either  of  them, 
he  shall  be  treated  as  those  articles  direct.  The  shameful 
inattention  to  duty,  in  the  face  of  a  powerful  enemy,  by 
many  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  will  render  this  resort  ne- 
cessary, however  unpleasant  it  may  be  to  the  Major  General. 

In  violation  of  a  general  order  of  the  19th  August,  several 
of  the  field  officers  did  not  attend  parade  duty  yesterday :  it 
is  hoped  that  such  conduct  in  them  will  not  again  occur ;  for 
if  it  should,  the  Major  General  will  be  compelled  to  resort  to 
measures  which  will  be  very  unpleasant  to  himself  and 
them. 

The  guards  will  be  augmented  this  night,  and  if  any  offi- 
cer or  soldier  discloses  the  watch-word,  he  will  be  dealt  with 
as  the  53d  article  of  the  rules  and  articles  of  war  directs. 

The  officer  of  the  day  will  direct  every  officer  and  sol- 
dier to  be  taken  up  after  the  beating  of  the  retreat,  whether 
he  has  the  countereign  or  not,  if  found  out  of  camp  without 
permission  in  writing  from  the  Major  General. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick  will  order  a  general  court  martial  for 
the  trial  of  such  prisoners  of  the  United  States  troop?,  as  may 


APPENDIX. 


of 


be  brought  before  the  court;  and  report  the  proceedings, 
without  delay,  to  the  Major  General.  The  following  mem- 
bers will  compose  the  court  martial. 

By  order  of  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 

Ilead-duarters,  Lewiston,  September  27th,  18i2. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

Complaint  having  been  made  by  the  troops,  as  to  the 
quality  of  the  provisions  issued  by  the  Commissary, 
Major  John  Beach  of  the  town  of  Lewiston,  a  disinterested 
person,  is  appointed  on  the  part  of  Major  General  Van 
Rensselaer,  and  he,  togctlier  with  the  person  to  be  appointed 
on  the  part  of  the  commissary,  will,  without  delay,  inspect 
the  quality  of  the  provisions,  against  which  complaint  has 
been  made,  and  report  their  opinion,  thereupon  to  the  Major 
General. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  RiiNssELAER,  Aid-de-camp. 

Head-Q.uarters,  Lewiston,  25th  September,  1812. 
GENERAL   ORDERS. 

The  detachment  of  Lieut.  Col.  Hopkins'  regiment  will  be 
stationed  at  Tonawanta,  and  guard  the  passes  on  the  river; 
and  will  relieve  the  guards  of  Lieut.  Col.  Swift's  regiment, 
now  there.  All  the  supernumerary  ofTicers  of  Lieut.  Col. 
Hopkins'  regiment  will  be  disbanded,  and  such  only  kept  in 
service  as  are  absolutely  necessary  to  officer  this  detach- 
ment agreeable  to  law. 

Generall  Hall  will  give  orders  aecordingly.  Captain 
EUicott's  company  of  artillery  will  be  stationed  at  the  battery 
opposite  Fort  Erie,  to  which  place  one  eighteen-pounder  is 
ordered. 

Returns  of  the  state  of  the  troops,  their  arms,  and  accou- 
trements, will  be  made  to  the  Major  General  once  a  week, 


A 

iilii 


94 


AFPENDIX. 


^11 


n 


i! 


\i 


by  General  Hall ;  and  'the  commanding  officer  of  the  Vnit- 
ted  States'  troops  at  Fort  Niagara;  and  they  arc  dirt* 'ted 
to  have  every  thing  in  readiness  for  action  at  a  moment's 
warning. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van.  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp. 

Hcad-QLuartcrs,  Lewiston,  September  27lh,  1812. 
GENERAL    ORDERS. 

A  guard  of  one  hundred  mon,  under  the  command  of  a 
Major,  with  their  tents  and  baggage,  will  be  detached  this 
day,  from  Lieut.  Jol.  Bloom's  regiment,  to  protect  the  boats 
in  Gill  Creek.  Lieut.  Col.  Bloom  will  give  orders  accord- 
ingly, and  will  see  that  this  detachment  is  encamped  at  that 
place,  before  sunset  this  evening. 

3y  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-camp, 


I! 


!  ,1'  • 


ih>' 


if    k    JIM.'': 


Head-Cluavters,  Lewiston,  30ih  Sept.,  1812. 


GENERAL    ORDERS. 


The  order  whereof  a  copy  is  annexed,  from  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  of  the  United  States'  army,  was  received 
yesterday.  All  those  interested  are  to  govern  themselves 
accordingly. 

The  Quarter  Master  General  will  purchase  twenty  horses^ 

and yoke  of  oxen,  for  the  ordnance  department,  with 

yokes,  chains,  tfcc.  complete,  and  furnish  the  necessary 
forage  for  the  horses  and  oxen.  The  Quarter  Master  Ge- 
neral will  make  a  return  of  the  number  of  public  hoats  in 
his  possession,  and  what  number  of  private  boats  he  can 
procure  for  the  transportation  of  troops,  cannon,  horses,  and 
Stores. 

The  Major  General  regrets  that  he  is  again  compelled  to 
remind  the  (Quarter  Master  General  of  the  want  of  fbr^ge 


A 


r 


LI  I  I    I JPIPJI      I   ^ 


n-f 


APPENDIX. 


93 


for  the  light  artillery  and  drogoon  horses,  and  directs  that 
it  shall  be  furnished  without  delay;  and,  in  future,  regularly. 
Those  light  infantry  companies  which  have  already,  or 
may  hereafter  arrive,  excepting  Capt.  Dox's  company,  will 
take  possession  of  tlie  first  cantonment  below  Lewiston,  and 
■will  be  subject  to  the  orders  of  Major  Thomas  Lee,  who  is 
directed  to  take  charge  of  them  until  further  orders.  The 
rifle  company  now  there,  will  take  post  at  the  old  ferry 
above  Lewiston.  Major  Mosely  of  the  rifle  corps  will  take 
command  of  the  rifle  companies  which  are  now  in  camp,  or 
may  hereafter  arrive,  until  further  orders. 

By  order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid  de  camp. 


i     \ 


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LEAVITT,    LORD&CO.'S    LIST 

qf  tome  of  the  mor»  important  _   ' 

STANDARD  WORKS, 

On  Ttrioua  subjects,  which  may  always  be  obtained  at  the  lowest  pneM. 


1.     COMMENTARIES 

On  the  whole  Scriptures. 


SCOTT,  in  6  volumes  or  3. 
HENRY,  in  6  volumes  or  3. 
CLARKE,  in  6  volumes  or  3. 
GILL,  9  volumes  4to. 


FAMILY  COMMENTARY,  1  volume. 
COMPREHENSIVE  do. 
MANT  &,  D'OYLEY,  2  volumes. 


On  the  New   Testament. 

BARNES'  NOTES  ON  THE  GOSPELS,  in  2  volumes. 

Do.  do.  ACTS,  in  1  volume. 

Do.  do.  ROMANS,  in  1  volume. 

BURKITT  ON  THE  NEW  TESTAMENT. 
DODDRIDGE'S  PARAPHRA«5E,  &c.  in  I  volume. 
MACKNIGHT  ON  THE  EP'    TLES,  in  1  volume. 
STUART  ON  THE  HEBRIiWS,  in  1  volume. 

Do.        ON  THE  ROMANS,  in  1  volume. 
BLOOMFIELD'S  CRITICAL  DIGEST,  in  8  volumes. 


CALVIN, 
DE  WETTE, 
EICHOKN, 
FLATT, 
GESENIUS, 


German  Authors. 

HEGSTENBERQ, 

HUG, 

KUINOEL, 

KOPP, 

LUC  KB. 


NEANDEK, 
ROSEN  rdUELLER, 
TITTMANN. 
'  THOL'JCK. 


2.    THEOLOGY     AND     DIVINITY. 


The  Complete  Works  qf 


BARROW,  7  vob. 
BAXTER,  S3  volfl. 
BERKELEY,  3  vols. 
BEVERinOE,  10  vok 
BICKERSTETH,  :  vol. 
BUTLER,  (Bp.)  1  vol. 
BUNYAN,  1  vol. 
CAMPBELL,  3  vols, 
CALMET,  1  voL 
DICK,  4  vols. 
DODDRIDGE,  1  vol. 
DWIGHT,  4  vols. 
EDWARDS,  10  vols. 
ERSKINB. 
PABER. 
FLAVEL,  8  vol& 


FOSTER. 
PULLER,  2  volg. 
GURNALL,  4  vols. 
HENRY.  1  vol. 
HERVEY,  6  vols. 
HOOKER. 
HORNE,  (Bp.)  1  vol. 
HORNE,  (T.  H.)  4  vols. 
HALL,  (Bp.)8volB. 
HALL,  (Robt.)  8  vols. 
HORSELEY,  1  vol. 
HOWE,  (Jno.)  1  vol. 
JAHN,  1  vol. 
JAY,  (WmJSvoIs. 
LARDNER,  10  voli. 
LEIGHTON,  1  voL 


LIGHTFOOT,  13  vob. 
MASON,  4  vols. 
NEWTON.  (Bp.)  1  voL 
NEWTON,  (J.)Svota 
OWEN.  21  vols. 
PALEY,  6  vols. 
SECKER,  6  vols. 
SMITH,  (J.  P.)  4  volf. 
SHERLOCK,  5  vols. 
SIMEON,  21  vols. 
TAYLOR,  (Jer.)  5  vob 
TOPLADY,  6  vols, 
WARBURTON. 
WARDLAW. 
WATTS. 


HI 


Lenvii'J,  Lord,  Sf  Co.\  Catalogue. 


il 

3.     BTHICS, 

MORALS, 

ELOaUENCE,    &c. 

,1 

ABERCROMBIE, 

COLERIDQE, 

•      ,          LOCKE. 

'll 

/.LI80N. 

COMBE. 

I'AINE, 

;li  i 

BACON,              '          • 

DEWAR, 

•      •         REID,              >  •  >. 

BROWN, 

DEGERANDO, 

SPURZHEtM, 

BURKti, 

DYMOND, 

b  ^EWART, 

1 

BURTON. 

GOOt),             .; 

•;,  ,            WAYLAND 

■I 


J. 


ifi 


¥' 


4.     HiSTORY. 

UNITED     STATES.— JS      -ro/t's,   5    \ola.—  Grahame'a,  2   voI«  — . 
Holmes's,    2   vols. — Pitkin,  2  vols.   Svo.—Jiamsay,  S  vols.— 
Willard's,  1  vcl.  •  -v.    •        .-  •«• 

ENGLAND— Goldsmith— Hume,    Smollett     <!f'  Miller,    4  vols.— 
Hallam,  3  vols. — Llngard,  12  vols.— iWa'-Am/os/i,  1  vol.  8vo. 
SCOTLAND.— Sco«,  2  foh.—Robertsou,  1  vol. 

EUROPE,  (Modern.) — Russell  i^  Jones^  3  vols. — Robertson's  Char.ea 

V. — Heeren's  Polit.  System,  2  vols. —  Crowe's  Prance,  3  vols. — 

Siamondi's  Italy,  1  vol. — Grattan'a  Netherlands,  I  vol. — Ptetch' 

er's   Poland,  1  vol.— Mills's  Chivalry   and   Crusades,  4  vols.- 

Venetian  Histo,  y,  2  vols. — Florence,  2  vols. 

ANCIENT,  (UvivERSAL.)— iJoZ/in,  2  vols.,  4  vols,  or  8  v  Is.— 
Heeren,  1  vol. 

Gbbece.— Gi7Kes*,  1  vo\--Frost,  I  vol.— i/ecr^Jt,    i  vni.— 
Mil/ord,  8  vols. 

RjMB.— /'""cr^usoTi,  1  \c\.—Hooke,  3  vols.— LiiJy,  (by  Ba- 
ker,) 2  vols.--  T^aci^us,  1  vol.— Cri66o>i'»  Declii^ 
and  Pall,  1  vol.  or  4  vols. 

Afbica.— ffceren,  2  vols. — Asia. — Heeren.  3  voir 

Egypt. — Russell,     18ino.—PALKSTiNE.—i?i.  ,';scW,    ISmo. 

T'.ti  Jews.— Mi//7nan,  3  vols. 

UNIVERSAL.— Frosr,  1  vol.— Mu/Zer,  4  vola.—Robbins,  1  vol.— 

TVL'e/-,    1  \J.—  Whel'plei',  1  \ol. 
ECCLESIASTICAL.— Goof^n'c/i,    (Elements,)    I2mo. 

Marsh,  do.  l^mo.  ,     •   • 

Milner,  with  continuation,  1  vol.  8vo. 

Mosheim,  do.  3  vols,  or  ".  vols. 

Waddiii  gton,        do.  1  vol. 

Burnet's  Reformation  'n  England,  4  vols. 

Eusebius's  Ecc.  Hist.  Pirst  Si.v  Centuries,  I  vol. 

Scott's  Lutheran  Reformation,  2  vols.  18mo. 

Smedley's  Rc/oi  ....erf  Religion  in  Prance. 

Winslow's  Sketch  of  Missions,  12mo. 

History  of  Popery,  12mo.     Of  the  Inquisitici,  l2mo. 


i    ; 


"!1 


1. — 


lar.et 
ols. — 
'letch- 


y  Ba- 


10. 


Leavilt,  Lord,  6f  Co.^s.  Catalogue.. 


S,    BIOGKAPHY. 


ALEXANDER  THE  GREAT,  18mo. 

BAXTER,  (Rev.  R.)  2  vols.  8vo. 

BELISARIUS,  13nio. 

BONAPARTE,  various. 

BURNS,  do. 

BYRON,  do. 

PURDER,  (Rev.  Geo.)  12mo. 

CABOT,  (SeL?i9.)8vo. 

CHARLES  THE  FIRST,  2  vols. 

CHARLEMAGNE,   18mo. 

CHRISTMAS,  (Rev.  J.  S.)  18mo. 

CLARKE,  (Adam.)  l2ino. 

CLINTON,  (De  Witt,)  Uo. 

COLBURN,  (Z.)  ISmo. 

COLERIDGE,  (S.  T.)8vo.  » 

COLUMBl'S,  (C.)  2  vols.  8vo. 

CRANMER,  (Archb.)  2  vols.  18mo. 

CROMWELL,  (Oliver,)  2  vols.  18mo. 

CUVIER,  (Baron,)  l2mo. 

FEMALE  SOVEREIGNS,  2  vols.  ISino. 

FREDERICK  THE  GREAT,  2  vols.  ISrao. 

GEORGE  IV.,  l8ino. 

GRAHAM,  (Isabella,)  12mo. 

GRAHAM,  (Mary  Jane,)  l2rao. 

HALL,  (Rev.  Robt.)  ISmo. 

HAMILTON    (Alex.)  8vo. 

HEBER,  (Up  )  2  vols.  Svo. 

HENRY,  (Patrick,)  Svo. 

HILL,  (Rowland,)  l2mo. 

HOWARD,  (John,)  18mo. 

INDIANS,  2  vols.  18mo. 

JAY,  (John,)  2  vols.  Svo. 

JOHNSON,  (Dr )  2  vols.  Svo. 

JUDSON,  (Mrs.^  ISino. 

JOSEPHINE,  (Empress,)  ISmo. 


LAFAYE'rrE,  2  vols.  ISmo. 
LEO  THE  TENTH,  4  vols.  8vo. 
LORENZO  i)E  MEDICI.  2  vols.  Svo 
MARY  aUEEN  OF  SCOTS,  2  vols.  18ma 
MARTYN,  (Henry,)  12mo. 
MARION,  (Gen.)  12mo. 
MILTON,  (.'ohn,)  12mo. 
MOHAMMED,  (by  Bush.)  ISmo. 
MORE,  (Hannu.*:,)  2  vols.  .2mo. 
MORRIS,  (Governeur.)  3  vols.  Svo. 
NAVIGATORS,  (early,)  ISmo. 
NELSON,  (L(»rd,)  ISmo. 
NEWTON,  (Sir  Isaac.,)  ISma 
NEY,  (Marshal,)  12mo. 
PAGE,  (Harlan,)  ISmo. 
PAINTERS  AND  SCULPTollS,  3  v.  ISmo 
F*YSON,  (Rpv.  Dr.)  12mo. 
PETER  THE  GREAT,  ISmo. 
PLUTARCH'S  LIVES,  Svo. 
ROSCOE,  (Wm  )  2  vols.  12mo. 
SCHILLER,  (I^red.)  12nio. 
SCOTT,  (Sir  W.) 
8IDD0NS,  (Mrs.)  12mO. 
TAYLOR,  (J.  B.)  12mo. 
THORbURN,  (Grant,)  ISmo. 
TRAVELLFRS,  'celebrated,)  3  vols.  ISma 
W^  SHINGTON,  ((ieorge,)  2  vols.  Svo. 
WEXINGTON,  (Duke  of,)  2  vols.  l2rao. 
WESLEY,  (Rev.  J.)  l2mo. 
WICLIF,  (John,)  ISmo. 
WINSLOW,  (Mrs.  M.)  12nio. 
WILLIAMS,  (Roger,)  l2mo. 
WOMEN,  (celebrated,)  2  vols.  12iT10. 
WONDERFUL  CHARACTERS,  Svo. 


6.     VOYAGES   AND   TRAVELS. 


I. 


Imo. 


African  Adventures,  &c. 
Anderson,  in  Grt.nc",  l2mo. 
B'Kclow,  in  Malta,  &c.  Svo. 
Carter,  in  Eiirupe,  2  vols. 
Cook's  Voyages,  2  vols. 
Coxe,  on  Columbia  River,  Svo. 
D^Hauzes,  in  Great  Britain,  I2mo. 
Dicight,  in  New  England,  4  vols. 
Ellis,  in  Polynesia,  4  vols. 
Fanning,  round  the  World,  I  vol. 
ChitzloJ]  in  China,  1  vol. 
Hamilton,  in  United  States,  2  vols, 


Henderson,  in  Iceland,  12mo. 
Huiooldt,  in  S.  America,  &c.  ISmo 
Jr meson,  in  Italy  and  Germany,  2  v. 
Kay,  in  Cafiraria,  &c.  12mo. 
Lander,  in  Africa,  2  vols. 
Modern  Traveller,  10  vols. 
Morrell,  round  the  World,  Svo. 
Pardee,  in  Portugal,  2  vols. 
Oicen,  in  Africa,  2  vols. 
Polar  Seas  and  Regions,  ISmo. 
Rushes  Residence  at  London,  8vo. 
Stewart,  in  South  Seas,  2  vola. 


f 


Leavitt,  Lord,  6f  Co.^s  Catalogue. 


Stewart,  in  Great  Britain,  2  vols.    Wines'  Naval  Sketches,  2  vols. 
Visit  to  Texas.  Willard's  France  and  Great  Britain. 

Walsh,  in  Brazil,  2  vols. 


T.     SCIENCES  AND  ARTS. 

Natural   Philosophy.— ilrraoW's  Physics,  2  vole.— Cavallo's  Philos., 
1  vol.— Library  U.  K.  Treatise,  2  vols. — Olmsted,  2  vols. 

Chkmisthy.— ^ranrfe,  2  vols.  8vo.— Eaton,  l2mo.~Miichell,  8vo.— 

Porter,  2  vols.  Svo.—Silliman,  2  vols.  6vo.— Turner,  12mo  — 
Webster,  Svo. 

Medicine. — Bell,    Broussais,   Brigham,    Cloquet,    Combe,    Cooper, 

Doane,  Dunglisson,  Dewees,  Eberle,  Good,  Halsted,  Hitchcock 
Hooper,  Macnish,  Magendie,  Paris,  Richerand,  Spurzheim^ 
&c.  &c. 

Natural  History.— J5u^on,  5  vols.— Curier,   4  vo\a.— Godman,  3 
\o\9.— Goldsmith,  4  \olB.—Nutall,  (Ornithol.)  2  vo]a.—Smellie, 
1  vol. 

Botany. — Comstock,  Eaton,  Lindley,  Lincoln,    Torrey. 

Architecture. — Benjamin,   La  Fevre,  Nicholson,   Shaw. 


8.     POETRY. 


Adams,    Aikin,    Addison,    Baillie,   (Joanna,)  1  vol. — Bloomjteld, 
Bowles,    Beattie,    Bryant,  1  vol. — Burns,  1   vol. — Butler,    Brooks, 
Byron,     Campbell,  I  vol. — Child,  (Mrs.)     Cheever,     Coleridge,  3  vols. 
Cowper,  1  vol. — Crabbe,  8  vols. — Collins,     Davidson,  (L.  M.)  1  vol.— 
Dryden,    Falconer,     Gay,     Gray,     Goldsmith,    Halleck,    Heber, 
Hemans,     Hogg,    Hoole,    Keats,    Mellen,  (Grenville,)    Millman, 
Milton,    Montgomery,    Moore,    Norton,  (Mrs.)    Percival,    Pollok, 
Pope,    Rogers,     Shenstone,     Somerville,     Scott,     Southey, 
Shakspeare,    Shelley,     Tappan,     Thomson,     Wtiite,     Willis, 
Woodworth,     Wordsworth,     Young. 


9.    EDUCATION. 


General  Treatises.— il66oi<,    Alcott,    Am.  Inst.  Lectures, 

Babington,     Dwight,    Edgeicorth,     Hall,    Hamilton,     Mitchill, 
Phelps,     Simpson,     Taylor,     Wood. 

Spelling  Books.— Co66,     Cummings,    Emerson,    Parley,    Picket, 
Sears,     Webster,     Worcester. 


COMPREHENSIVE  SYSTEM 
MODERN   GEOGRAPHY  AND   HISTORY : 

,.  —  BEVISED    AND   EMLABGEO 

From  the  London  edition  of  "Pinnock's  Modern  Geography,"  and 
5,.      adapted  te  the  use  of  Academies  and  Schools  in  ' 
the  United  States,  with  an  Atlas. 


BV      EUWIN     WILLIAMS 


Author  of  the  New  Universal  Gazetteer,  New-York  Annual  Re- 
gister, etc. 


•  r 


WKW-TOBK  : 

LEAVITT,  LORD  &  CO., 

180  Broadway. 


Extracted  critical  remarks  from  the  English  Reviews  ofPinnock  i 
Modern  Geography  and  History. 

"  Mr.  Pinnock's  Catechisms  and  other  publications 
have  made  his  name  universally  known  throughout  the 
country,  as  one  of  the  most  meritorious  and  ruccessful  au- 
thors in  this  department  of  literature,  who  have  ever  di- 
rected their  attention  to  inform  the  rising  jrcneration. 
The  present  volume  is,  in  all  respects,  worthy  othis  name ; 
it  is  well  conceived,  well  ar  »ged,  diligently  edited,  and 
beautifully  got  up,  at  a  very  in'  ^c"  e  cost.  By  mingling 
the  attractions  of  history  whhthedr)  'letr'ls  of  geographical 
science,  the  study  is  rendered  pleasmg  and  interesting. 
Ample  intelligence  is  produced,  in  the  fir&t  instance,  and 
then  the  learner  is  judiciously  exercised  by  questions  on 
the  subjects  as  they  occur." — Literary  Gazette. 

"  This  is  truly  the  age  of  iniellectual  imp.  Aement, 
and  in  every  form  and  manner  exertians  are  multiplied  to 
advance  it.  Daily  the  unwearied  press  teems  with  ew 
publications  in  Lid  of  truth  and  knowledge.  Con  ndi- 
iims,  abriclgments,  and  compressments  of  scienti..o  lore, 
rapidly  succeed  each  other  in  their  pretensions  to  public 
favor ;  and  it  is  now  a  point  of  competition  amongst  au- 
thors  and  publishers  to  give  the  greatest  quantity  of  valu- 


ll 


I  -i 


If*  'i 


h 


t!  ' 


fible  information  for  the  least  money.  It  was,  however,  it 
seems,  reserved  for  the  experienced  author  of  the  work 
before  us  to  excel  all  his  predecessors  in  this  particular  ; 
and  we  cannot  restrain  our  admiration  when  we  observe 
the  immense  collection  of  geographical  and  historical 
learning  comprised  in  this  little  book.  It  is  impossible, 
in  the  limits  to  which  this  notice  can  extend,  to  give  a  de- 
tailed account  of  the  plan  of  J/r.  Pinnock's  work  :  suffice 
it,  that  its  title  is  fully  answered  in  the  compilation,  and 
that  it  is,  in  our  judgment,  eminently  calculated  to  super- 
sede the  use  of  those  elementary  geographical  works  in 
present  use,  which,  however  useful  they  may  be,  arc  ut- 
terly poor  and  meagre  when  compared  to  this.  The  as- 
tronomical portion  of  Mr.  Piunock's  book  is  excel!  nt, 
and  the  historical  memoranda,  which  follow  the  account 
of  each  country,  are  highly  interesting,  and  tend  to  en- 
liven the  study  of  geography,  while  they  furnish  a  fund 
of  instruction  to  the  learner. 

"  On  the  whole,  ihis  multum  in  parvo,  for  such  it  pro- 
eminently  is,  is  calculated  to  become  a  universal  inslruc- 
ter  in  the  knowledge  of  the  earth.  It  will  noi  be  con- 
fined to  the  use  of  schools,  for  adults  will  find  it  a  valua- 
ble addition  to  their  Biblical  stor€:'i — Courier. 

"  This  is  unquestionably  the  very,  cheapest  work  of 
the  sorttl»at  has  hitherto  issued  from  the  press  ;  and  it  is 
but  doing  a  bare  act  of  justice  to  the  public-spirited  pub- 
lishers to  say,  that  they  deserve  the  most  unlimited  pat- 
ronage. The  literary  arrangement  of  the  whole  does 
great  credit  to  the  well  known  tatents  and  indefatigable 
research  of  3fr  Pinnacle;  and  instead  of  the  study  being, 
as  was  the  case  some  twenty  years  ago,  dry  ami  almost 
appallii.g,  it  is  rendered  familiar  and  entertaining,  from 
its  being  mixed  up  with  numerous  anecdotes  associated 
with  the  history  of  the  countries  xiescribed." — BerksJdre 
Chronicle.  ,  •   •  • 

'*  A  truly  comprehensive  compendium  of  geographical 
and  historical  information,  judiciously  blended,  has  been 
heretofore  a  great  desi<'' ratum.  Mr.  Piunock's  name 
has  for  many  years  been  a  standard  warranty  to  school 
books  ;  and  this,   his  last  labor,   fully  sustains  his  estab- 


I!  ' 


er,  It 
work 
ular ; 
)servc 
orical 
ssible, 
a  de- 
suffice 
n,  and 
snper- 
rks  in 
arc  ut- 
ile  as- 
:c\\  nt, 
ccount 
to  en- 
a  fund 

J  it  pr<3- 
instruc- 
he  con- 
1  valua- 


work  of 
and  it  is 
ted  pub- 
ted  pat- 
)le  does 
fatigable 
ly  being, 
1  almost 
ng,  from 
ssociated 
Berkshire 

graphical 
has  been 
;'s  name 
to  school 
:iis  estab- 


lished reputation.  It  is  a  very  comprehensive  condensa- 
tion\of  all  which  is  necessary  in  teaching  the  important 
science  of  geography.  The  statistical  details  of  coun- 
tries are  pleasantly  relieved  by  a  series  of  admirable  histo- 
rical memoranda,  which  bear  evidence  of  fidelity  and  a 
deep  research.  We  are  surprised,  in  looking  through  the 
book,  to  observe  what  a  vast  quantity  of  instruction  is 
con>prised  in  its  446  pages." — Sundat/  Times. 

'*  We  have  just  now  before  us  a  handsome  and  com- 
pact  little  volume,  *  got  up'  with  great  care,  taste,  and 
judgment :  *  A  Grammar  of  Modern  Geography  and  His- 
tory.' The  quantity  of  really  useful  information  ihr.t  it 
contains  is  astonishing." — La  Belle  Assemblee.      r  . 

"To  Mr.  Pinnock  belongs  the  merit  of  inventing  those 
Catechisms  of  Science  and  General  Kr^owledge,  whicli 
even  a  Lord  Chancellor  condescended  to  read  and  to 
praise.  Nothing  more  is  necessary  to  be  said  to  recom- 
mend his  book  in  ev«>'v  quarter." — London  Magazine. 

"  Grammar  of  Geography  and  History. — Every  per- 
son engaged  in  the  education  of  children,  will  be  much 
pleased  to  turn  over  the  pagr's  of  one  of  the  best,  because 
most  simplified,  and  at  the  same  time  compendious  works 
on  geography  that  has  ever  yet  appeared.  The  name  of  Pm- 
nock  stands  at  the  head  of  modern  pioneers  in  the  march  of 
Juvenile  Intellect ;  a  >d  the  present  volume  is  another  exhi- 
bition of  his  meritorious  industry.  It  is  announced  among 
our  advertisements,  and  we  are  sure  that  our  readers  will  be 
thankful  for  thus  having  specially  directed  their  attention 
to  so  useful,  elegant,  and  withal  very  cheap  a  publication." 
Taunton  Courier. 

r 

"  Pinnock' s  Modem  Geography. — We  call  the  atten- 
tion  of  our  readers,  and  more  especially  the  heads  of  se- 
minaries, to  a  useful,  splendid,  and  singularly  cheap  work, 
just  published  by  Poole  ^  Edwards,  entitled  '  A  Com- 
prehensive Grammar  of  Modern  Geography  and  History.' 
Without  any  exception,  it  is  the  best  book  of  the  sort 
hitherto  published." — Windsor  Herald. 

"  This  little  book  is  of  a  description  much  superior  to 
the  ordinary  class  of  school  books.     Its  author  needs  no 


B.i  Ilij  jiTiw* 


u 


-f 


i  : 


praise  from  ua,  as  his  long  and  faithful  services  to  the  cause 
of  education  have  met  that  general  approbation  which  is 
their  fittest  and  highest  reward.  We  are  happy  to  say,  that 
the  same  judicious  industry  which  distinguished  his 
smaller  works  for  the  benefit  of  children,  is  displayed  m 
full  force  in  the  little  volume  now  on  our  table.  It  is 
well  arranged,  and  written  in  a  clear,  simple  style.  But 
it  is  also  much  more  than  a  mere  outline  of  geography, 
for  it  also  contains  an  admirable  summary  of  the  most 
important  points  in  history  and  chronology  :  and  its  pages 
11  interspersed  with  interesting  physical  facts  relating 
♦o  the  various  countries  under  consideration.  We  ap- 
prove much  the  catechetical  system  of  teaching,  which  is 
provided  for  by  questions  appended  to  each  section.  These 
will  enable  the  self-instructer  to  ascertain  with  ease  and 
certainty  what  real  progress  he  has  made  in  the  acquisi- 
tion  of  knowledge.  A  good  treatise  of  this  comprehen- 
sive nature  has  long  been  wanting  in  our  schools.  To  those 
whose  time  will  not  permit  them  to  turn  to  more  ponder- 
ous sources  of  information,  and  to  those  who  may  wish  to 
re/r^sh  their  memories  by  looking  over  an  accurate  sum- 
mary of  facts  already  known,  we  heartily  recommend  this 
Geography  as  the  best  elementary  work  we  have  seen." — 
London  Weekly  Review. 

From  the  New-York  Evening'  Post. 

To  the  publishers,  the  public  are  indebted  for  an  ele- 
mentary work  on  Geography,  which,  from  a  more  atten- 
tive examination  than  we  are  usually  able  to  give  to  books 
of  that  description,  we  think  will  prove  a  very  useful  vol- 
ume in  the  education  of  young  persons.  The  work  we  al- 
lude  to  is  a  very  neat  and  well  printed  edition  of  Pin- 
nock's  Modern  Geography  and  History,  wholly  revised  and 
much  enlarged  by  Edwin  Williams,  of  whose  accuracy 
and  research,  as  a  statistical  writer,  the  public  have  al- 
ready had  various  satisfactory  evidences.  The  depart- 
ment of  knowledge  in  which  the  labors  of  Mr.  Williams 
have  been  mainly  exerted,  have  necessarily  furnished  him 
with  a  copious  store  of  materials  highly  useful  to  be  em- 
ployed in  a  work  like  that  which  has  now  engaged  his  pen,, 
The  original  work  of  Mr.  Pinnock  bore  a  high  reputation 


ause 
ich  is 

that 
d   lit9 

Ttis 

But 

aphy, 

most 


botli  in  England  and  this  country,  and  its  value  is  now  very 
greatly  increased  by  the  extensive  and  judicious  improve- 
ments  made  by  Mr.  Williams.  To  convey  some  idea  of 
the  superior  excellence  of  the  present  edition  over  any  pre- 
vious one,  it  needs  only  to  be  stated  that  the  portion  rela- 
ting to  America,  has  been  wholly  rewritten  aiKl  enlarged 
so  as  to  extend  through  more  than  a  hundred  additional 
pages.  The  recent-  changes  in  the  political  divisions  of 
South  America  are  also  carefully  noted,  and  a  succinct  and 
clear  history  of  its  varibus  revolutions  is  given.  Numer- 
ous other  improvements  of  the  original  work  have  been 
made  by  Mr.  Williams,  but  what  we  have  stated,  will 
serve  to  convey  some  idea  of  the  additional  value  he  has 
imparted  to  a  production  which  before  enjoyed  a  high  rep- 
utation.  The  publishers  deserve  credit  fo  the  exceedingly 
neat  style  in  which  they  have  published  this  useful  ele- 
mentary work. 

i'>07/i  the  Commercial  Advertiser. 
Pinnock  has  done  very  essential  service  to  the  cause 
of  education,  by  his  excellent  editions  of  established 
school  books.  To  go  no  farther,  this  is  the  best  compendium 
of  geography  we  have  yet  seen  for  schonlG.  TKe  Euro- 
pean States  are  never  treated  with  the  importance  they  de 
serve  in  our  ordinary  school  books  of  this  description. 
Here  they  receive  great  attention,  and  the  American  de- 
partment, under  Mr  Williams'  carefiu  and  accurate  super- 
intendence, is  not  behind  them,  while  the  history  of  each 
State  is  woven  in  its  leading  facts  with  its  description. 

J^rom  the  New-  York  American. 

This  is  a  well  printed,  and  we  dare  say,  a  well  digested 
compound  of  geography  and  history,  adapted  for  young 
persons.  The  portion  relating  to  America  has  been  re- 
written here  and  much  extended,  and  in  that  very  fact  we 
see  evidence  to  strengthen  a  conviction  we  have  long  en- 
tertained,  and  occasionally  expressed,  that  the  elementary 
works — those  of  history  especially — designed  for  Ameri- 
can schools,  should  be  written  at  home. 

From  the  New-  York  Weekly  Messenger. 
We  have  rarely  met  with  a  work  of  this  size  embrac- 


li  i 


•f 


|t«th 


ing  so  large  a  fund  of  useful,  we  might  say  necessary, 
knowledge  of  a  geographical  and  historical  character. 
This  work  is  formed  on  the  basis  of  Pinnock's  celebra- 
ted Manual  of  Geography,  combining  the  leading  facts  of 
history.  It  has  been  revised  by  Edwin  Williams,  Esq.,  a 
gentleman  well  known  as  the  author  of  the  New- York  An- 
nual Register,  and  New  Universal  Gazetteer,  &,c.  That 
part  of  the  work  relating  to  our  own  country  has 
been  entirely  rewritten,  and  occupies  about  one  hundred 
closely  printed  pages.  It  will  command  a  place,  as  a 
class  book,  in  all  our  respectable  seminaries  of  learning ; 
but  a  work  of  this  kind  ought  not  and  will  not  be  con- 
fined to  schools.  It  will  be  found  in  the  library  of  the 
scholar — the  cheerful  and  happy  dwelling  of  the  farmer — 
the  workshop  of  the  mechanic — the  closet  of  the  student 
— and  the  counting-room  of  the  merchant,  by  all  of  whom 
it  may  be  advantageously  consulted  as  a  book  of  refer- 
ence. . 

TVom  the  Knickerbocker. 

Mr.  Edwin  Williams,  whose  "  Annual  Register"  and 
"  Universal  Gazetteer"  are  so  favorably  known  to  the 
public,  has  recently  issued — revised  and  enlarged  from  the 
London  edition,  and  adapted  to  the  use  of  Academies 
and  Schools  in  the  United  States — Pinnock's  celebrated 
Modern  Geography.  The  part  relating  to  America  has 
received  numerous  important  additions  in  the  revision,  and 
the  whole  may  be  relied  on  us  affording  a  faithful  picture  of 
the  present  state  of  the  world,  as  far  as  known.  The 
work  presents  a  combination  of  geography  and  history, 
which  renders  it  both  useful  and  entertaining.  The  latter 
quality  is  an  unusual  feature  in  most  of  our  modern  school 
geographies. 

From  the  NeW'York  Courier  and  Enquirer. 
Williams'  Geography, — The  habits  and  studies  of  Mr. 
"Williams  render  him  peculiarly  fitted  for  an  undertaking 
of  this  sort,  and  he  has  performed  the  task  well.  Pinnock's 
original  work  is  in  some  respects  one  of  the  best  to  be 
found,  but  the  labors  of  Mr.  Williams  have  rendered  this 
edition  exceedingly  valuable.  We  have  looked  this  book 
through  with  considerable  attention,  and  find  a  mass  of 


mm 


ssary, 
acter. 
cbra- 
cts  of 
H,  a 
k  An- 

That 
y  has 
jndred 

as  a 
rning ; 
e  con- 
of  the 
rmer — 
student 
f  whom 
f  refer- 


r"  and 
to  the 
rom  the 
ademies 
lebrated 
rica  has 
lion,  and 
licture  of 
1.     The 
history, 
he  latter 
■n  school 


r. 

es  of  Mr. 
lertaking 
'hmock's 
)est  to  be 
lered  this 
this  book 
mass  of 


American  information  there  embodied  fur  beyond  our  ex- 
pectation.  We  question,  indeed,  whether  any  other  book 
in  print  contains  as  mucli  ;  and  we  are  mistaken  if  it  is  not 
extensively  made  use  of  henuifter  in  our  schools  and  acad< 
emies.  Few  men  in  the  country  have  amassed  more  sta- 
tistical material  than  Mr.  Williams,  and  none  have  spread 
it  before  the  public  with  more  accuracy.  This  book  alone 
is  sufficient  to  entitle  him  to  the  thanks  of  the  commu- 
nity. 

I^rotn  the  New- Yorker. 

Pinnock^s  Geography. — Mr.  Edwin  Williams,  favora- 
bly known  as  the  compiler  of  several  statistical  works  of 
acknowledged  merit,  has  just  submitted  to  the  public  an 
Americanized  edition  of  Pinnock's  "  Comprehensive  System 
of  Geography  and  History" — the  part  relating  to  the  Uni- 
ted States  having  been  entirely  rewritten  and  extended 
over  one  hundred  pages.  The  high  reputation  of  the  original 
author  as  a  geographer,  affords  a  satisfactory  guaranty  for 
the  character  of  the  work,  which  is  adapted  to  .the  use  of 
seminaries  without  forfeiting  its  claims  on  the  attention  of 
the  more  abstract  student  of  geography  and  history. 

From  the  New-York  Observer. 
Williams'  Geography  and  History. — Mr,  Edwin  Wil- 
liams, the  publisher  and  compiler  of  the  New-York  Annual 
Register,  has  prepared  a  new  geography  for  tl^e  use  of 
schools,  founded  on  Pinnock's  work  on  modern  geography, 
which  has  been  revised  and  extended.  The  plan  is  to  com- 
bine a  summary  of  the  history  of  each  country  with  its 
geography,  and  to  adapt  it  to  tho  use  of  schools  and  acade- 
mies, by  references  to  the  maps,  and  by  questions.  The 
part  of  the  work  relating  to  America  has  been  entirely  re- 
written, and  copious  additions  have  been  made  to  other 
parts  of  the  volume.  We  have  not  found  time  to  examine 
the  work  critically,  but  we  liave  no  doubt,  from  .hat  we 
know  of  the  qualifications  of  the  author,  that  it  .9  one  of 
the  most  valuable  works  of  tlie  kind  in  the  market. 

From  the  Albany  Argus. 
Modern  Geography  and  History. — Mr.  Edwin  Williams, 
the  publisher  and  compiler  of  the  New- York  Annual  Re- 


'■♦l.- 


I'ii 


,iH 


-1    i' 


has  added  aiiotln 


8 

)  tiio  valuable 


,  ublications  for 
which  the  public  uro  indebted  to  his  industry  and  enter- 
prise,  in  a  revision  and  extension  of  Pinnock's  celebrated 
work  on  modern  geography.  The  plan  of  this  geography 
is  to  combine  a  aununary  of  the  history  and  present  condi* 
lion  of  each  country  wkh  its  geography,  and  to  adapt  it  to 
the  use  of  schools  and  academies,  by  relerences  to  tho  maps, 
and  by  questions  designed  to  elicit  from  the  learner  the 
facts  stated  in  the  historical  and  statisticul  parts  of  the 
work.  Numerous  additions  have  been  made  in  tho  revi- 
sion, particularly  in  tliat  |)art  relating  to  America,  which, 
it  appears,  has  been  entirely  re-written  and  extended  over 
one  hundred  pages.  It  gives  also  full  descriptions  of  the 
West  India  Islands,  not  particularly  noticed  in  any  other 
geography ;  extended  notices  of  the  modern  divisions  and 
revolutions  in  South  America,  and  in  Greece  and  Belgium, 
&c.  «&c.  The  entire  work  appears  to  have  been  prepar- 
ed with  the  usual  care  and  accuracy  of  the  America  edit- 
or :  and  his  own  additions  are  among,  the  most  valuable  of 
the  many  important  and  interesting  facts  with  which  tho 
book  is  replete.  The  character  of  both  t'ne  American  and 
the  English  author  must  commend  the  work  to  the  favora- 
ble notice  of  teachers  and  nil  interested  in  facilitating  the 
business  of  public  instruction. 

Pinnock's  Modern  Geography  and  History,  revised 
by  Edwm  Williams,  is  an  excellent  compendium  of  the 
branches  on  which  it  treats,  and  we  cheerfully  recommend 
it  for  adoption  by  teachera  and  others.  Were  thia  work 
in  general  use  by  the  higher  classes  in  academies  and 
schools,  the  labors  of  instruction  would  be  greatly  dimin- 
ished and  the  youth  of  our  country,  of  both  sexes,  would 
exhibit  a  knowledge  of  Geography  and  History  which  is 
far  from  being  frequent  at  present. 

John  F.  Jenkins,  Principal  of 

the  Male  Department ; 
Arabella  Clark,  Principal  of 

the  Female  Department ; 
February  22,  1830. 


Mechanics' 
Society 
School, 


I 


( 


Pinnocks  Geography. — This  is   an   excellent  book, 


luitl  not  inferior  in  vnlno  to  any  which  have  been  put  forth 
by  this  most  industrious  compiler  and  author. 

The  work  is  of  that  terse,  comprehensive  character, 
which  distinguishes  his  former  productions.  It  is  full  of 
entertainment  and  instruction,  clear  and  judicious  in  stylo 
anl  arrangement,  discriminating  in  the  selection  of  topics, 
abundant  in  details,  and  conducted  with  that  peculiar  bre- 
vity which  leaves  not  a  word  redundant  or  deficient.  It  is  a 
valuable  class  book,  and  merits  general  adoption  in  the 
schools. — Silliman^s  "  American  Journal  of  Science  and 
Arts.''    Vol.  XXVII.  No.   2.  July,  1835. 


I 


I 


\r^ 


7 


I. 


•h 


rfiii 


Works  Published  by  Leavilt,  Lord,  df  Co. 

I  I. 

UECOiMMENDATlUNS  OF    DAKISEa*   KuTUa. 

From  AbtoU't  HtligiouM  Magazine. 

We  have  previously,  in  a  brief  notice,  recommended  to  our  rcndoru 
Barnes'  Notes  on  the  Gospels.  Hut  n  more  extended  acouaintnnco  with 
that  work  has  very  much  increased  our  senao  of  its  value.  We  never 
have  opened  any  comiiicntary  on  the  Gospels,  which  has  afforded  us  so 
much  satisfaction.  Without  intending,  in  the  least  doKree,  to  disparace 
the  many  valuoSle  commentaries  which  now  aid  the  Christian  in  the 
study  of  the  Bible,  we  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  our  gratitude  to  the 
Author,  for  the  interMling  and  profitable  instructions  he  has  given  us.— 


It  is  a  devotion 


The  volumes  are  characterized  oy  the  following  merits. 

1.  The  spirit  whit^h  imbues  them  is  liighly  devotional, 
founded  on  knowledge.    It  is  a  zeal  guided  by  discretion. 

8.  Tiie  notes  are  eminently  intellectual.  Apparent  difficulties  are  fairly 
met.  They  are  either  oxplaint-d,  or  the  want  of  a  fully  satisfactory  expla- 
nation admitted.  There  is  none  of  that  slipping  by  a  knot  whicli  is  too 
common  in  many  commentaries. 

3.  The  notes  are  written  in  language  definite,  pointed  and  forcible.  Tl.<  re 
18  no  interminable  flow  of  laay  words.  Every  word  is  active  and  dotb  its 
work  wen.  There  are  no  fanciful  expositions.  There  are  no  tedious  dis- 
play of  learning. 

There  may  be  passages  in  which  \\c  should  difTe'  from  the  writer  in 
some  of  the  minor  shades  of  meaning.  There  may  be  sometimes  an  un- 
guarded expression  which  ha*  escaped  our  notice.  We  have  not  scruti- 
nized the  volumes  with  the  eye  of  a  critic.  But  we  have  used  them 
m  our  private  reading.  We  have  used  them  in  our  family.  And  we  have 
itkvariably  read  them  with  profit  and  delight. 

We  have  just  opened  the  book  to  select  some  passage  as  an  illustration 
«f  the  spirit  of  the  work.  The  Parable  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarwa  now 
lies  before  us.  The  notes  explanatory  of  the  moaning  of  the  parables,  re 
ftiH  and  to  the  point.  The  following  are  the  inferences,  which  Mr.  J^arnes 
deduces. 

"  Prom  this  impressive  and  instructive  parable,  we  may  learn, 

"l.  That  the  souls  of  men  do  not  die  with  their  bodies. 

"  2.  That  the  souls  of  men  are  conscious  after  death ;  that  they  do  not 
sleep,  08  some  have  supposed,  till  the  morning  of  the  resurrection. 

"3.  That  the  righteous  are  taken  to  a  place  of  hoppiness  immediately 
at  death,  and  the  wicked  consigned  to  misery. 

"4.  That  wealth  does  not  secure  us  from  death. 

"  How  vain  are  riches  to  secure 
Their  haughty  owners  from  the  grave. 

"  The  rich,  tne  beautiful,  the  gay,  as  well  as  the  poor,  go  down  to  the 
grave.  All  their  pomp  and  apparel ;  all  their  honors,  their  palaces  and 
their  gold  cannot  save  them.  Death  can  as  easily  find  his  way  into  the 
mansions  of  the  rich  as  into  the  cottages  of  the  poor,  and  the  rich  shall 
turn  to  the  same  corruption,  and  soon,  like  the  poor,  be  undistinguished 
firom  common  dust,  and  be  unknown. 

"5,  We  should  not  envy  the  condition  of  the  rich. 

"  On  slippei  V  rocks  I  see  them  stand, 
And  fiery  billows  roll  below. 

"6.  We  should  strive  for  a  belier  inheritance,  than  can  be  possessed  in 
tins  life. 

"  '  Now  I  esteem  llieir  mirth  and  wine. 
Too  ((car  to  iiurchuHe  with  my  blood, 
Lord  'tis  enough  tliut  thou  art  mine, 
My  life,  my  portion,  and  my  God.'" 

"7.  The  sufferings  of  the  wicked  in  hell  will  be  indiscnbably  great. 
Think  what  is  represented  hy  torment,  by  burning  flame,  bv  insupportable 
thirst,  by  that  state  when  a  single  drop  of  water  would  afford  relief.  Re- 
member that  all  this  is  but  a  representation  of  the  pains  of  the  damned, 
and  that  this  will  have  no  reliiT,  day  nor  ni,:<ht,  but  will  continue  from 


VIC 


coil 
in 

Nr 


to  I 

tea 


SO] 


"     ii 


rcndera 
ICO  with 
'e  never 

3(1   UB   BO 

iflpnrape 
n  in  the 
du  to  tlic 
ven  UB.— 

devotion 

ore  fairly 
iry  explu- 
ich  is  loo 

le.  Tt  t  'c 

d  dOfcd  itB 

dioua  di3- 

!  writer  in 
ics  an  un- 
lot  scruli- 
ised  them 
1  we  havo 

llustration 
zarun  now 
rabies,  re 
dr.  l^am'-i 


n. 

icy  do  not 

on-  ,.      , 
iimcdiatcly 


)wn  to  the 
jalaces  and 
ay  into  the 
rich  shall 
Btinguiahed 


possessed  in 


lably  great, 
isiipportable 
1  relief.  Re- 
ihe  damned, 
)ntinue  from 


Works  Published  by  Lear  it  I,  Lord,  Jf  Co. 

IlECOMMENDATJONS  OF  DA RNES' NOTES. 

yt;ar  toyenr,  and  ni;o  to  age,  and  without  nnv  end,  and  you  have  n  faint 
view  of  the  eun'eringa  of  tnosn  who  nrem  hell. 

"8.  There  is  a  place  of  flu^rering  beyond  the  Rravn,  a  hell.  If  tl'ero  ii 
not,  then  this  parable  has  no  meaning.  It  is  impossible  to  make  anything 
of  it  unless  it  is  disiKned  to  teach  that. 

"  9.  There  will  never  be  any  earapc  from  those  gloomy  regions.  There 
is  a  gulf  fixed— ^.Tcrf,  not  moveable.  Nor  can  any  of  the  damned  beat  a 
pathway  across  this  gulf,  to  ihi  v  orld  of  holiness. 

"  10.  We  see  the  amazing  folly  of  those,  who  suppose  there  may  be  on 
end  to  the  sufU-rings  of  the  wicked,  and  who  on  that  supposition  seem 
willing  to  go  down  to  hnll  to  sulfor  a  long  time,  rather  than  go  at  once  to 
heaven.  If  man  were  to  suflor  but  a  thousand  years,  or  even  one  year, 
why  should  ho  be  so  foolish  as  to  choose  that  suffering,  rather  than  go  at 
once  to  heaven,  and  bo  happy  at  once  when  he  dies? 

"II.  God  gives  us  warning  sufficient  to  prepare  fot  death.  Ho  has  sent 
his  word,  his  servants,  hiw  son  ;  ho  warns  us  by  his  Spirit  and  his  provi- 
dence, by  the  entreaties  of  our  friends,  and  by  the  death  of  sinners.  He 
oB'ers  us  heaven,  and  he  threatens  hell.  If  all  this  will  not  move  sinners, 
what  would  do  it  7    There  is  nothing  that  would. 

"  12.  God  will  give  ua  nothing  farther  to  warn  us.  No  dead  man  will 
eomc  to  life,  to  tell  us  what  he  has  seen.  If  he  did,  we  would  not  believe 
him.  R*  ligion  appeals  to  man,  not  by  ghosts  and  frightful  apparitions. 
It  appeals  to  their  reason,  their  conscience,  their  hopes,  and  their  fears. — 
It  sets  life  and  death  soberly  before  men,  and  if  they  will  not  choose  the 
former  they  must  die.  If  you  will  not  hear  the  Son  of  God,  and  the  truth 
of  the  Scriptures,  there  is  nothing  which  you  will  or  can  hear;  you  will 
never  be  persuaded,  and  neverwiuescape  the  place  of  torment." 

If  we  have  any  influence  with  our  readers,  we  would  recommend  them 
to  buy  these  volumes.  There  is  hardly  any  Christian  in  the  !and,  who  will 
not  find  thorn  an  invaluable  treasure. 

Extract  qf  a  Letter  from  a  dUtin^uUhed  DMne  of  Htno  England. 

It  (Rarnes'  Notes)  supplies  an  important  and  much  needed  (desideratum 
in  the  means  of  Sabbath  School  and  Bible  Class  instruction. 

Without  descending  to  minute  criticism,  or  attempting  a  display  of 
learning,  it  embraces  a  wide  range  of  general  reading,  and  brings  out  the 


investigation  of  the  riost  important 


results  of  an  extended  and  careful 
sources  of  Biblical  knowledge. 

The  style  of  the  work  is  as  it  should  be,  plain,  simple,  direct ;  often 
vigorous  and  striking;  always  serious  and  earnest. 

It  abounde  in  fine  analyses  of  thought  and  trains  of  argument,  admira- 
bly ad-xpted  to  «id  Sabbath  School  Teachers  in  their  responsible  duties : 
often  too,  very  useful  to  Ministers  when  called  suddenly  to  prepare  for 
religious  meetings,  and  always  helpful  in  conducting  the  exercises  of   a 

Bible  Class.  .... 

Without  vouching  for  the  correctness  of  every  explanation  and  sentiment 
contained  in  the  Notes,  its  author  appears  to  havo  succeeded  very  nappily 
in  expressing  the  mind  of  ihe  Holy  Spirit  as  revealed  in  those  parts  of  the 
New  Testament  which  he  has  undertaken  to  explain. 

The  theology  taupht  in  these  volumes,  drawn  as  it  is  from  the  pure 
fountain  of  truth,  is  eminently  common  sense  and  practical. 

Ithashttleto  do  with  theory  or  speculation. 

The  author  appears  not  to  be  unduly  wedded  to  any  particular  school  or 
system  of  theology,  but  to  have  a  mind  trained  to  habits  of  independent 
thinking,  readily  submissive  to  the  teachings  of  inspiration,  but  indisposed 
to  call  any  man  master,  or  to  setup  anything  in  opposition  to  the  plain 
testimony  of  the  Bible, 

We  would  here  say,  once  for  all,  we  consider  Barnes'  Notes  the  bent 
aoromf  ntary  for  famines  we  have  seen.— iV.  E.  Spectator. 

3 


Works  Published  by  Leavitt,  Lord,  df  Co. 

RECOMMENDATIONS  OF  UARNES"  NOTES. 

If  the  degree  of  popular  favor  with  which  a  work  of  biblical  instruc- 
tion is  received  by  an  intelligent  Christicn  community  be  a  just  criterion 
of  its  value,  the  volumes  which  the  Rev.  Mr.  Barnes  la  giving  the  Church 
are  entitled  to  a  high  place  in  the  scale  of  merit.— iV.  Y.  Evangelist. 

«■■»!'■'■        "■         Frmn  Review  (tf  the  Cosj.Ja  in  BiUicaX  Repertory, 

Wfc  hove  only  to  say  further,  by  way  of  introduction,  that  we  admire 
the  practical  wisdorn  evinced  by  Mr.  Barnes  in  selecting  means  by  which 
to  act  upon  the  public  mind,  as  well  as  his  self-denyingdiligence  in  labor- 
ing to  supply  the  grand  defect  of  our  religious  education.  Masterly  expo- 
sition, in  a  popular  form,  is  the  great  d'^sideratum  of  the  Christian  public. 

The  Notes  are  always  readable,  and  almost  always  to  the  point.  No- 
thing appears  to  have  been  said  for  the  sake  of  saying  something.  This  is 
right.  It  is  the  only  principle  on  which  our  books  of  popular  instruction 
can  bo  written  with  success.  Its  practical  value  is  evinced  by  the  exten- 
sive circulation  of  the  work  before  us,  as  well  as  by  the  absence  of  that 
heaviness  and  langour,  which  inevitably  follow  from  a  verbose  style,  or  the 
want  of  a  definite  object. 

Mr.  Barnes'  explanations  are  in  general  brief  and  clear,  comprising 
the  fruit  of  very  diligent  research. 

We  have  been  much  pleased  with  his  condensed  synopsis  of  the  usual 
arguments  on  some  disputed  points,  as  well  as  with  his  satisfaAory  eolu- 
tion  of  objections. 

But  Mr.  Barnes'  has  not  been  satisfied  with  merely  explaining  the 
language  of  the  text.  He  has  taken  pains  to  add  those  illustrations  which 
verbal  exposition,  in  the  strict  sense  cannot  furnish.  The  book  is  rich  in 
archa3ological  information.  All  that  could  well  be  gathered  from  the  com- 
mon works  on  biblical  antiquities,  is  wrought  into  the  Notes  upon  those 
passagea  which  need  such  elucidation. 

In  general  we  admire  the  skill  with  which  he  sheds  the  light  of  archee- 
ology  and  history  upon  the  text  of  scripture,  and  especially  the  power  of 
conipressiqn  which  enables  him  to  crowd  a  mass  of  knowledge  into  a 
narrow  space  without  obscurity. 

While  the  explanation  of  the  text  's  the  primary  object  kept  in  view 
throughout  these  notes,  religious  edification  is  by  no  means  slighted. 
Mr.  Barnes'  devotional  end  practical  remarks  bear  a  due  proportion  to 
the  whole. 

From  what  we  have  suid  it  follows  of  course,  that  the  work  before  us 
has  uncommon  merit.  Correct  explanation,  felicitous  illustration,  and 
impressive  application,  are  the  characteristic  attributes  of  a  successful 
commentary.  Though  nothing  can  be  added  in  the  way  of  commendation 
which  is  not  involved  in  something  said  already,  there  are  two  detached 
points  which  deserve  perhaps  to  be  distinctly  stated.  We  are  glad  to  see 
that  Mr.  Barnes  not  only  shuns  the  controversial  mode  of  exposition,  but 
of^en  uses  expressions  on  certain  disputed  subjects,  which  in  their  obvious 
sense,  convey  sound  doctrine  in  its  strictest  form.  What  variety  of 
meaning  these  expressions  may  admit  of,  or  are  likely  to  convey,  we  do 
not  know  ;  but  we  are  sure  that  in  their  simple  obvious  meaning  they  are 
strongly  Calvaniatic  in  the  good  old  sense. 

The  other  point  to  which  we  have  alluded  is  Mr.  Barnes'  frankness 
and  decision  in  condemning  fanatical  extravagance  and  inculcating  Christ- 
ian prudence. 

With  respect  to  Mr.  Barnes'  style  we  have  little  to  say  beyond  a  gene- 
ral commendation.  The  pains  which  he  has  wisely  taken  to  be  Drief, 
have  compelled  him  to  write  well. 


circi 
of 


iBtrac- 
iterion 
Jhnrch 


admne 
f  which 
n  labor- 
y  expo- 
pubhc 
It.    Nq- 
ThiB  18 
jiruction 
,e  exten- 
3  of  that 
^le,  or  the 

)roprisins 

the  usual 
Itory  Bolu- 

lining  the 
ions  whicn 
L  is  rich  m 
n  the  com- 
upon  those 

t  of  archse- 
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idge  into  a 

;pt  in  view 

•^8  slighted. 

)portion  to 

k  before  us 
Iration,  and 
'  guccessiul 
imendation 
detached 
giad  to  see 
loaiiion,  but 
leir  obvious 
,t  variety  of 
rivey,  we  do 
ling  they  are 


Is'  frankness 
latingChnst- 

^ond  a  gen&: 
to  be  onef, 


WORKS  RECENTLY  PUBLISHED 


BT 


LEAVITT,   LORD   &   CO. 


WITH  SOME  EXTRACTS  FROM  NOTICES  OF  THEM. 


SHIP  AND  SHORE,  or  Leaves  from  the  Journal  of  a 
Cruise  to  the  Levant — by  an  officer  of  the  Navy. 

Another  contribution  from  a  source,  to  which  nobody  would  have 
thought  of  turning,  but  a  few  years  ago;  bn'  ..!:ich  is  now  beginning 
to  yield  fruit  abundantly  and  of  an  excellent  flavor,  sound,  wholesome 
and  trustworthy ;  not  those  warm-c^ieeked  and  golden  pippins  of  the 
Hed  Sea,  which  "  turn  to  ashes  or  the  lips" — but  something  you  may 
bite  with  all  your  strength,  of  a  "'apy,  and  oftentimes  of  a  peachy 
flavor.    The  preface  itself  is  a  gem. — New-England  Galaxy. 

This  book  is  written  with  sprightliness  and  ease,  and  may  justly 
claim  to  be  considered  an  agreeable  as  well  as  an  instructive  compan- 
ion. It  is  inscribed  in  a  brief  out  modest  dedication  to  Mrs.  E.  D.  Reed — 
a  lady  of  uncommon  refinement  of  manners,  and  intellectual  accom- 
plishments. The  descriptions  of  Madeira  and  Lisbon  are  the  best  we 
have  read.  The  pages  are  uniformly  enriched  with  sentiment,  or  enli- 
vened by  incident.  The  author,  whoever  he  is,  is  a  man  of  sentiment, 
taste,  and  feeling. — Boston  Courier. 

MEMOIRS  OF  MRS.  WINSLOW,  late  Missionary  to 
India,  by  her  husband,  Rev.  Miron  Winslow — in  a  neat  12mo, 
with  a  Portrait. 

The  book  contains  a  good  history  of  that  Mission,  including  the 
plan  and  labors  of  the  Missionaries,  and  the  success  attending  them, 
together  with  almost  every  important  event  connected  with  the  mission. 
It  also  presents  much  minute  information  on  various  topics  which  must 
be  interesting  to  the  friends  of  missions,  relating  to  the  character,  cus- 
toms and  religion  of  the  people — their  manner  of  thinking  and  living: 
and  the  scenery  of  their  country  and  its  climate.  It  also  describes  the 
perplexities  and  encouragements  of  Missionaries  in  all  the  departments 
of  their  labor,  and  throws  open  m  inspection  the  whole  interior  of  a 
mission  and  a  mission  family,  exh.  iting  to  the  reader  tr/ia/  missionary 
•work  and  missionary  life  art,  betlt;r,  perhaps^,  than  any  thing  before 
published. — Missionary  Herald. 

Mrs.  Winslow  would  have  been  a  remarkable  character  under  any 
circumstances,  and  in  any  situation.  Had  she  not  possessed  a  mind 
of  unusual  power  and  decision,  she  never  could  have  triumphed  over 


■'-♦ft' 


«•■*.. 


V. 


8 


if' 

^'  1 

HI" 


the  obstacles  which  were  thrown  in  her  way.  We  hope  that  in  this 
memoir  many  a  pious  young  lady  will  find  incitements  to  prayerfulness 
and  zeal— and  that  our  readers  will  enjoy  the  privilege  of  reading  all 
the  pages  of  this  interesting  volume. — AbboWB  Magazine. 

PASTOR'S  DAUGHTERrr-or  the  Way  of  Salvation  ex- 
plained to  a  Young  Inquirer ;  from  reminiscences  of  the  conver- 
sations of  the  late  Dr.  Payson  with  his  daughter. 

ZINZENDORFF,  a  new  original  poem—by  Mrs.  L.  H. 
Sigourney,  with  other  Poems*,  i'imo.  This  book  is  in  a  neat 
style,  and  well  calculated  for  Holiday  presents. 

HARLAN  PAGE'S  MEMOIRS,  one  of  the  most  useful 
books  ever  published. 

There  has  been  much  fear  that  the  attention  of  the  church  was 
becoming  too  exclusively  turned  towards  the  great  external  forms  of 
sin.  These  fears  are  not  groundless.  Here,  however,  is  one  remedy. 
The  circulation  of  such  a  work  as  this,  holding  up  a  high  standard  of 
ardent  personal  piety,  and  piety,  too,  showing  itself  in  the  right  way — 
by  quiet,  unpretending  efforts  to  spread  the  kingdom  of  Christ  from 
soul  to  soul. — Abbott's  Magazine. 

COMMENTARY  ON  THE  BOOK  OF  PSALMS ;  on 
a  plan  embracing  the  H'h'eu-  Text,  with  a  New  Literal  Version. 
By  George  Bush,  Prot.  ct  Heb.  and  Orient.  Lit.  in  the  New- 
York  City  University. 

This  commentary,  althoufh  it  every  where  discovers  evidence  of 
highly  respectable  research,  is  not  designed  exclusively  for  the  use  of 
mere  biblical  critics.  It  is  true  the  author  has  constant  recourse  to  the 
Hebrew,  and  to  ancient  translations  and  commentaries,  &c.  in  the  ex- 
planation of  difficult  passages:  but  he  docs  it  with  such  clearness  of 
Sierception  and  such  tact  of  language,  that  even  unlettered  readers  can 
lardly  fail  to  be  profited  by  his  comments.  He  has  hit,  with  an  admira- 
ble degree  of  precision,  the  happy  medium  between  a  commentary  pure- 
ly scholai«tic  and  critical,  which  could  be  interesting  to  only  a  few  very 
learned  men,  and  one  exclusively  practical,  which  would  be  likely  to  be 
unsatisfactory  to  men  of  exact  and  scrutinizing  minds.  It  is  a  pleas- 
ing circumstance,  although  some  perhaps  may  be  disposed  to  make  it 
a  ground  of  carping  and  clisparagenient,  that  the  work  is  an  American 
one.  It  is  written  in  our  own  land,  and  by  one  of  our  own  beloved 
Itrethren,  and  is  therefore  entitled,  on  the  ground  of  country  and  patri- 
otism, as  well  as  of  reliaion,  to  all  that  kindness  and  favor  of  reception, 
which  may  be  justified  oy  its  intrinsic  merits.  The  work  is  published 
m  a  highly  creditable  style,  by  the  house  of  Leavitt,  Lord  &  Co ,  New- 
York. — Christian  Mirror. 

We  have  spent  so  much  time,  delightfully,  in  reading  this  number, 
that  we  have  little  left  for  description  of  its  contents.  We  have  first 
an  admirable  preface  of  two  pages,  stating  the  plnn  and  object  of  the 
work.  Persons  wishing  to  revive  their  knowledge  of  neglected  Hebrew, 
or  desirous  to  learn  it  anew  without  a  teacher,  oan  find  no  book  better 
adapted  to  facilitate  the  acquisition  than  this,  in  addition  to  a  grammar 
and  dictionary. 

The  good  sense  of  Mr.  Bush  is  well  indicated  by  his  remarks  on  the 
word  Selah  where  it  first  occurs.  No  mere  empiric  would  have  made 
such  an  acknowledgment. — R. 


tc 

cil 

ti| 
sij 
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laf 
in| 

tl 


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ng  all 

m  ex- 
anver- 

L.  H. 

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useful 

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brms  of 
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It  way— 
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^S ;  on 
Version, 
le  New- 

ndence  of 
the  use  of 
irse  to  tkie 
in  the  ex- 
earness  of 
jadera  can 
an  adniita- 
itary  pare- 
a  few  very 
ikely  to  be 
s  a  pleas- 
to  make  it 
.  American 
wn  beloved 
f  and  patri- 
if  reception, 
18  published 
:,  Co ,  New- 

his  number, 

^e  have  first 

^bject  of  the 

ted  Hebrew, 

book  better 

a  grammar 

narks  on  the 
i  have  made 


While  the  work  is  adapted  to  be  a  real  treat  more  particulatly  for 
scholars,  it  is  so  conducted  that  readers  merely  of  the  English  version 
can  hardly  fail  to  receive  from  it  much  p  ifit  and  delight. — Pittsburgh 
FViend. 

We  have  not  examined  critically  all  the  notes,  but  we  have  examined 
them  enouch  to  satisfy  ourselves  of  the  author's  competency  to  his 
work  and  of  his  fidelity. — Christian  Register. 

The  mechanical  execution  of  the  work  is  beautiful,  particularly  the 
Hebrew  text,  and  fully  equal  to  any  thing  thai  has  come  from  the 
Andover  Press,  which  hitherto  has  stood  unrivalled  in  this  country,  for 
biblical  printing.  The  introduction  and  notes  give  evidence  of  laborious 
and  patient  investigation,  extensive  biblical  learning,  and  heartfelt  piety. 
It  promises  to  be  a  work  of  great  value  and  we  hope  it  will  meet  with 
ample  encouragement. —  Cincinnati  Journal. 

A  GRAMMAR  OF  THE  HEBREW  LANGUAGE,  with 
a  brief  Chrestomathy  for  the  use  of  beginners,  by  George  Bush^ 
Prof.  Heb.  and  Orient.  Lit.  in  the  N.  Y.  city  University. 

We  hail  sincerely  this  finely  executed  volume,  with  its  tasteful  dis- 
play of  the  University  front  labelled  in  gilt  on  the  back.  But  the  out« 
ward  dress  is  a  matter  of  minor  moment.  It  is  the  marrow  of  the  book 
which  gives  us  pleasure.  That  it  is  calculated  to  be  an  important  ac- 
cession to  the  elementary  works  on  Hebrew,  no  one  acquainted  with 
the  ripe  scholarship  of  Prof.  B.  can  doubt,  much  less  any  one  who  has 
exammed  the  book.  The  main  object  of  the  author  in  preparing  it,  as 
we  learn  from  his  well  written  preface,  was  to  facilitate  the  acquisition 
of  the  holy  tongue  by  the  simplification  of  its  elements.  With  the 
book  as  a  guide,  the  Jtudent  will  find  the  entrance  upon  the  language 
instead  of  difiicuit  and  repulsive,  easy  and  inviting.  Taken  altogether. 
Vie  regard  the  grammar  of  Prof.  B.  as  eminently  adapted  to  the  use  of 
students  in  our  Theological  Seminaries ;  and  we  see  not  why  it  should 
not  successfully  compete  with  the  ablest  of  its  predecessors.  In  addi- 
tion to  its  intrinsic  rights  it  has  moreover  the  recommendation  of  being 
sold  at  the  low  price  of  $1  25. — iV.  Y.  Evangelist. 

It  is  enough  to  say  for  the  information  of  students  in  this  most  in- 
teresting and  valuable  department  of  human  (rather  divine)  knowledge, 
that  in  this  grammar  they  will  find  all  the  inforination  requisite  for 
ordinary  purposes  in  a  form  more  accessible  and  inviting  than  has  usual- 
ly been  given  it.  Minor  recommendations  are,  the  inviting  character  of 
the  print,  and  the  moderate  price  of  $1  25  (the  chrestomathy  being  part 
of  the  same  volume.)  Students  in  Hebrew,  especially  if  they  have 
made  trial  of  other  grammars,  will  deem  this  work  a  valuable  acces- 
sion to  our  facilities  for  the  acquisition  of  this  original  and  sacred  tongue. 
It  need  scarce  be  added  that  this  commendation  is  given  without  any 
disposition  to  injure  the  deserved  repute  of  the  almost  father  of  Hebrew 
literature  in  this  country.  He  will  not  surely,  regret  that  a  spirit  which 
has  done  so  much  to  promote,  should  develop  itself  in  new  and  felici- 
tous attempts  to  improve  the  field  that  he  so  arduously  and  successfully 
cultivates. — N.  Y.  Churchman. 

r^  Prof.  Stuart's  grammar  is  full  and  copious.  Prof  Bush  bears  tes- 
timony to  its  merit,  and  observes  that  his  design  has  been,  by  a  greater 
simplification  of  the  elements,  to  produce  a  work  better  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  those  who  are  beginning  a  course  of  careful  study  of  the 
language,  while  the  grammar  of  Prof.  Stuart,  which  leads  at  once 
into  the  deeper  complexity  s  of  the  language,  answers  in  a  great  degree 
the  purpose  of  an  ample  Thesaurus  to  the  advanced  student.    We  believe 


„*itgSfiv^*jt^» 


hi' 


I 


IJ 


1    '    ■ 


uu 


there  is  a  greater  simpliflcation,  combined  with  as  much  fullnesa  and 
detail  as  are  requisite  to  aid  the  student  in  attaining  an  accurate  ktiowl- 
odge  of  the  language.  We  are  glad  to  see  that  Prof.  Bush  has  returned, 
or  rather  adheres  to  the  old  system  of  the  distinction  of  vowels  into 
long  and  short.  It  has  always  appeared  to  us  that  the  change  adopted 
by  Prof.  Stuart  from  Gesenius,  substituting  for  the  distinction  into 
long  and  short  vowels,  a  classification  into  three  analogous  orders, 
brought  with  it  much  greater  complexity  without  any  adequate  com; 
pensation  in  the  advantage  which  might  result  from  it. —  Christian 
Intellii^encer. 

His  grammar  is  more  intelligible  and  contains  less  of  unnecessary 
and  douDiful  matter,  than  any  other  equally  complete  work  with  which 
we  are  acquainted.  We  have  no  doubt  that  its  circulation  will  prove  an 
important  means  of  recommending  the  study  of  the  Hebrew  language. 
—'N.  Y.  Obsa-ver. 

i;^  The  publishers  are  happy  to  state,  from  information  recently 
received  from  the  author,  that  the  above  work  has  been  adopted  as  the 
text-book  on  Hebrew  Grammar  at  the  Theological  Seminary,  Prince- 
t3n,  N.  J.,  and  that  it  is  under  consideration,  with  a  like  view,  at  seve* 
ral  other  institutions  in  the  country. 

FEMALE  STUDENT.— LECTURES  TO  YOUNG  LA- 
DIES,  comprieing  Outlines  and  Applications  on  the  different 
branches  of  Female  Education.  For  the  use  of  Female 
Schools,  and  private  Libraries  ;  delivered  to  the  Pupils  of  the 
Troy  Female  Seminary.  By  Mrs.  Almira  H.  Lincoln  PhelpSj 
late  Vice  Principal  of  that  Institution :  Author  of  Familiar 
Lectures  on  Botany,  etc. 

This  Indy  is  advantageously  known  as  the  writer  of  "Familiar 
Lectures  on  Botany,"  and  other  popular  works  for  the  use  of  students 
and  the  young  generally.  Her  present  work  may  be  safely  commend- 
tJ  to  the  class  for  whom  it  is  more  especially  designed,  and  to  the  use 
of  schools  in  particular,  asone  of  various  interest,  and  of  very  judicious 
and  useful  composition. — Evening  Gazette. 

We  recommend  the  work  to  teachers  and  all  others  who  are  sensi- 
ble of  the  vast  amount  of  influence  which  woman  exerts  on  society, 
and  how  inadequately  she  has  hitherto  in  general  been  prepared  to  make 
that  influence  beneficial  lo  our  race. — Boston  Mercantile  Journal. 

Her  views  of  the  various  methods  of  mstructing  are  practical,  for 
they  are  the  rcnults  of  expenence.  To  parents,  particularly  mothers  de- 
sirous of  pursuing  the  most  judicious  course  in  the  education  of  their 
children,  I  would  recommend  this  book  as  useful  beyond  any  other 
I  am  acquainted  with,  in  arming  them  against  that  parental  blindness 
from  which  the  best  of  parents  are  not  wholly  exempt  and  which  often 
leads  them  unawares  to  injure  in  various  ways  the  character  of  their 
children  and  lay  the  foundation  of  future  misfortune  for  their  offspring 
and  sorrow  for  themselves.  To  young  toomen  who  cannot  afford  the 
expense  of  attendine  such  schools  as  afford  the  highest  advantages, 
Mrs.  P.'s  lectures  afford  substantial  aid  in  the  work  of  self- education. 
Y(mner  Latf'":  about  to  go  abroad  to  schools  or  those  already  from 
home,  may  consult  this  book  as  they  would  a  judicious  mother,  or 
faithful  and  experienced  friend :  it  will  warn  them  of  the  dangers 
to  which  they  will  be  exposed,  or  the  faults  into  which  they  are  liable 
to  fall,  so  that  being  "forewarned"'  they  may  he  forearmed  to  escape 


till 

(■  1 

ca 

tel 

wl 

8t{ 


.«_  ^^^,  ■»• 


'  ?**y  • 


and 

)Wl- 

nedi 
into 
pted 
into 
ders, 
com; 
Uian 

Bsory 
wUicn 
jvean 
lunge. 

cently 
as  the 
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it  seve- 

GLA- 

ifferent 
Female 
of  the 
Phelpsj 
♦'amilimr 

Familiar 
students 
jHitnend- 
thc  use 
judicious 

are  sensi- 
11  society, 
i  to  make 
irnal, 
etical,  for 
lothers  de- 
n  of  their 
,ny  other 
bUndness 
■hich  often 
of  their 
,  offspring 
afford  the 
ivaniagea, 
educatioTU 
eady  from 
mother,  or 
le  dangers 
are  hable 
IQ  escape 


them — In  my  opinion  the  peculiar  tendency  of  this  work  is  to  produce 
in  the  mind  that  "humiUty"  which  "goes  before  honor,"  to  impart  to 
the  thoughtless,  a  sense  of  the  awful  restraints  of  morality. — Mrs.  Wil- 
lard,  Prin.  Troy  Female  Seminary. 

The  present  work  is  intended  to  unfold  the  natural  objects  of  female 
education.  This  is  accomplished  in  a  series  of  lectures,  written  in  a 
perspicuous,  pleasing  style,  and  treating  of  the  various  studies  pursued 
in  a  well  regulated  school  for  young  ladies.  It  is  really  and  truly  what 
it  proposes  to  bs,  a  guide  in  the  intellectual  education  of  woman,  and 
will,  we  have  no  doubt,  become  a  standard  work  in  our  schools  and 
families. — Ladies^  Magazine. 

We  think  this  plan  is  generally  executed  in  a  manner  calculated  to 
instruct  pupils,  and  to  furnish  useful  hints  and  maxims  for  teachers. 
We  can  cordially  recommend  the  work,  generally,  as  sound  in  its  prin- 
ciples of  education,  interesting  in  its  style,  and  excellent  in  its  spirit — a 
valuable  gift  to  pupils  and  teachers. — Annals  of  Education. 

We  know  not  when  we  met  with  a  book  which  we  have  perused 
with  more  pleasure,  or  from  which  we  have  derived  more  profit.  The 
authoress  is  evidenMy  possessed  of  a  vigorous  uuderstanding,  with  just 
so  much  of  imagination  as  to  chasten  down  the  matter-of-factness  of 
her  style,  which  is  eminently  beautiful.  She  is  perfectly  acquainted 
with  her  subject,  and  expresses  herself  in  a  manner  at  once  clear  and 
forcible,  adiictionate,  and  convincing.  It  is  well  known  how  much  the 
intellectual  character  of  the  child  depends  on  that  of  the  mother,  and 
yet  girls  are  brought  up  and  educutcu  os  if  they  were  born  dniy  to  buzz 
and  flutter  on  the  stage  of  life,  instead  of  forming  the  character  of  a 
future  generation  of  men. — Mortreal  Gazette. 

Mrs.  Phelps's  course  of  Lectures  furnishes  a  guide  in  the  education 
of  females,  for  mothers  as  well  as  for  the  young :  all  may  profit  by 
the  just  and  practical  ideas  it  contains  relative  to  the  various  branches 
of  education.  It  should  be  in  the  hands  of  all  who  are  educatinc^ 
others,  or  attempting  to  instruct  themselves.— iWad' We  Montgolfier  of 
France.  '  ' 

Mothers  may  find  in  this  book  a  valuable  assistant  to  aid  them  in 
bringing  up  their  daughters  to  prefer  duty  to  pleasure,  and  knowiedgu 
to  amusement;  and  who  would  teach  them  to  be  learned  without  ped- 
antry, and  graceful  without  affectation.  Educate  your  daughters  "  to 
be  wise  without  vanity,  happy  without  witnesses,  and  contented  with- 
out admirers  " — Southern  Religious  Intelligencer. 

Of  Mrs.  Phelps's  Lectures  to  young  ladies,  I  cannot  speak  in  suffi- 
ciently high  terms  of  commendation.  Such  a  work  was  greatly  needed, 
and  must  prove  of  inestimable  value.  I  am  in  the  practice  of  reading 
portions  of  it  to  my  school,  &c.  I  shall  recommend  to  all  young  la- 
dies who  are  or  may  be  under  my  care,  to  possess  themselve.s  of  copies 
of  the  book. — Miss  E.,  Principal  of  the  celebrated  school  for  young 
ladies  at  Georgetoicn,  D.  C. 

Rev.  Wm.  Cogswell,  Sec.  A.  B.  C.  F.  M.,  writes  the  publishers,  I 
understand  that  you  are  about  issuing  a  second  edition  of  Airs.  Phelps's 
"Lectures  on  Female  Education."  This  fact  I  am  happy  to  learn.  I 
can  cordially  recommend  them  as  being  well  adapted  not  only  to  in- 
terest and  instruct  the  young  ladies  of  the  institution  for  whom  they 
were  originally  designed,  but  also  others  in  simih  -  institutions.  The 
style  ana  execution  of  the  work  is  highly  commendable ;  and  the  sub- 
jects on  which  it  treats  important  to  young  ladies  acquiring  a  finished 
education.  Its  originality  and  value  entitle  it  to  an  extensive  circula- 
tion, which  I  doubt  not  it  will  obtain. 
Boston,  Oct.  16,  1835. 


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FOREIGN  CONSPIRACY  AGAINST  THE  LIBER- 
TIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES.— 2d  edition. 

One  excellence  of  the  publication  before  us,  almost  peculiar  to  this 
writer,  when  compared  to  others  who  have  written  upon  this  subject  in 
our  country,  is,  that  it  handles  the  matter  of  discussion  with  calmness, 
the  writer  not  suffering  himself  to  indite  his  letters  under  the  influence 
of  exacerbated  feelings,  but  wisely  avoids  those  harsh  and  blackening 
epithets  which  do  more  to  irritate  the  passions  than  to  convince  and 
enlighten  the  judgment.  On  this  account  the  book  may  be  read  with 
pront  by  all. — N.  Y.  Christian  Advocate.  (Methodist.) 

The  letters  of  Brutus  deserve  an  extensive  circulation. — Missouri, 
St.  Louis  Observer.  (Presbyterian.) 

"From  what  I  have  seen  and  know,  the  fears  entertained  by  the 
writer  in  the  New- York  Observer,  under  the  caption  of  '  Foreign  Con- 
spiracy,' &c.  are  not  without  foundation,  especially  in  the  Vv^est." — Let- 
ter of  a  Traveller  in  the  West.  (Maryland,)  Methodist  Protestant. 

'*  Brdtus.  — The  able  pieces  over  this  signature,  relative  to  the  de- 
signs of  Catholicity  in  our  highly  favored  land,  originally  published  in 
the  New-York  Observer,  it  is  now  ascertained  were  written,  not  by  an 
individual  who  was  barely  indulging  in  conjectures,  but  by  one  who 
has  witnessed  the  Papacy  in  all  its  deformity.  One  who  has.  not  long 
since,  travelled  extensively  in  the  Romish  countries,  and  nas  spent 
much  time  in  the  Italian  States,  where  the  seat  of  the  Beast  is.  Rome 
is  familiar  to  him,  and  he  has  watched  the  movements  there  with  great 
particularity.  We  may,  therefore,  yield  a  good  degree  of  credence  to 
what  Brutus  has  told  us.  His  numbers  are  now  published  in  a  pam- 
phlet, and  the  fact  which  has  just  come  out  in  regard  to  his  peculiar 
qualification  to  write  on  this  great  subject,  will  give  them  extensive  cir- 
culation."— Utica  Baptist  Register. 

The  numbers  ofBrutus.-^^^  Our  readers  are  already  acquainted  with 
their  contents.  The  object  is  to  awaken  the  attention  of  tne  American 
public  to  a  design,  supposed  to  be  entertained  by  the  despotic  govern- 
ments of  Europe,  particularly  of  Austria,  in  conjunction  with  his  Holi- 
ness the  Pope,  to  undermine  gradually  our  free  utstitutions  by  the  pro- 
motion of  the  Catholic  Religion  in  America.  The  letters  are  interest- 
ing, from  the  numerous  facts  which  they  disclose ;  and  are  deserving 
the  careful  attention  of  the  citizens  of  these  United  Slates,  who  should 
guard  with  vigilance  the  sacred  trust  which  has  been  confided  to  us  by 
our  fathers."— iV.  Y.  Weekly  Messenger. 

The  work  embodies  a  mass  of  facts,  collected  from  authentic  sour- 
ces, of  the  deepest  interest  to  every  friend  of  civil  liberty  and  Protestant 
Christianity.  The  efforts  of  despotic  European  sovereigns,  to  inocu- 
late our  country  with  the  religion  of  Rome,  are  fully  proved.  Could 
they  succeed  in  those  efforts,  and  annihilate  the  spirit  of  hberty  on  our 
shores,  the  march  of  free  principles  in  our  own  dominions  would  cease. 
They  could  then  sit  securely  on  their  thrones,  and  rule  with  a  rod  of 
iron  over  their  abject  vassals.— Ohio,  Cincinnati  Journal.  (Presbyte- 
rian.) 


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